Please read Author's notes at the end of the chapter for some updates.
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The sound of their footsteps reverberated through one of the numerous corridors of the school. Severus and Star were sprinting in unison at the maximum speed their legs could carry them. They rounded the corner in perfect synchronization, narrowly avoiding a menacing bolt of darkness. Severus winced in pain as yet another bolt whizzed past him, grazing his right shoulder.
"Continue running," commanded Star in a firm tone. She abruptly halted and instructed, "Get out of here as fast as you can." She promptly intervened and prevented any additional assault from reaching Severus. With a deft movement of her hand, she conjured spiral spears at her side. A snap of her fingers and the spears hurtled past her, aimed at the grotesque beast that was charging towards her.
A spear was thrust directly into the left hind leg of the creature, while the second one was snapped in half by a flick of its tail. The third spear merely grazed its right side. The creature emitted a menacing growl and halted its advance three feet away from her. A slender barrier, erected by Fanell moments after launching the spears, prevented any physical contact between them.
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"Ñihnga'ul khun ullia," the creature spoke. (The wizard is unworthy.)
The beast emits a low growl and snarl, then takes a few steps back before lunging forward with great force, striking the barrier with tremendous strength. Despite the crackling sound it produces, the barrier remains intact. Star averts her gaze and notices that Severus is still present, standing behind her.
"I-I told you to run!"
"I would have been delighted to engage in that activity. However," he pauses and moves aside to allow her a clear view. "Chomp and Toothy, situated over yonder, appear to be quite famished."
Fanell heaves a sigh of resignation upon sighting two additional repulsive entities positioned opposite her protective barrier. "Figures. "
"What exactly are those things?"
"Slaves to the Betrayer," she hissed the last word. She sees the cut on his right shoulder. "Let me see that."
Severus retreated, "Please refrain from touching me. I am capable of healing myself."
She lowered her hands to her sides, "I shall keep that in mind."
"What is our next course of action? We are encircled. What is the strategy?" he inquired.
"Escape is not an option. We must confront them directly. They are subordinates, easily defeated," she replied.
Severus raised an eyebrow, "Is wizardry effective against these entities?"
