{IRIS}
The reaction was instant.
Light—pure, blinding—burst outward, searing through the bindings. The chains screamed as they dissolved, unraveling into ash that scattered across the floor.
I collapsed into Caroline's arms.
For one perfect, fragile moment, I thought we might actually make it.
Then Morgana screamed.
The sound was raw, furious, unrestrained. Black fire exploded outward, flooding the chamber in an inferno that swallowed everything in its path.
The Shadow Guard turned, shadows flaring wide, shielding us once more.
But this time—
It faltered.
Cracks rippled through its form, darkness tearing at the edges as Morgana poured more and more power into the attack.
The flames seared my skin and tore through my lungs, agony with every breath, but I never stepped away from Caroline. I could heal. She might not survive this.
Valerius rejoined her, arcane surging in tandem.
"Enough games," Morgana snarled. "I will kill you."
