The crystal absorbed the angel tears, its golden light turning brilliant white. Cracks appeared across its surface, spreading like lightning. The fallen angels screamed in unison, their corrupted grace flickering as their power source began to fail.
"Get down!" Marcus shouted.
Kai bounded over to Samantha, shielding her with his massive form as the crystal exploded. Shards of light shot across the chamber, each one burning through the shadows like miniature stars. Where they struck the fallen angels, they left glowing wounds that wouldn't heal.
The dragon blood channels began to boil and evaporate, releasing clouds of crimson mist. The fallen angels tried to maintain their ritual, but their power was failing. Their wings began to dissolve, dark feathers turning to ash.
"You think this victory means anything?" the lead angel snarled, its beautiful face contorting. "We're not the only ones hunting her."
