The Withering

Light of Aideen

In an instant, the clearing erupted into a maelstrom of magical chaos. 

Alex was the first to react, summoning a shield of electric blue energy that crackled and sparked, blocking the initial volley of dark magic. The ground beneath her feet trembled with the raw power she channeled, her face set in fierce concentration.

You felt the familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins. 

With a swift gesture, you unleashed a stream of pure energy towards Jessica, who met your attack with a dark shield. The impact sent ripples through the air, and you could feel the power of her magic pushing against your own.

The Dark Riders were relentless. Each one wielded dark magic with deadly precision, their attacks synchronized and brutal. Shadows danced around them, forming tendrils of darkness that lashed out at the Soul Riders. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and scorched earth.

Sabine, a sinister grin plastered on her face, launched a series of dark orbs into the fray. Lisa intercepted them as a response, redirecting the orbs with a wave of her hand.

You cast a quick glance at the Drakonium, its unstable form now emitting a faint glow. 

One wrong move, one spell, and it could all go up in flames.

Suddenly, a blast of dark magic narrowly missed your head, jolting you back into the present. The air was alive with the clash of light and dark, each side pushing their limits.

Erissa's mocking laughter filled the air as she closed in, her eyes gleaming with malice.

Without warning, one of the Drakonium crystals erupted with a blinding flash of light, followed by a thunderous roar that reverberated through the clearing. 

The shockwave from the explosion was immense, sending a torrent of debris and magic-infused energy in all directions. The ground shook violently, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of burning magic and smoke.

Lisa was caught in the blast's force, lifted off her feet and hurled against the stone wall of the mill with a sickening thud. 

She crumpled to the ground, gasping in pain as she tried to regain her breath.

"Lisa!" You shouted, rushing towards her, your voice barely audible over the ringing in your ears.

The explosion had thrown everyone off balance. 

Splintered wood and shards of stone rained down around you, the chaotic scene illuminated by the flickering light of the unstable Drakonium.

"Who triggered it?!" Linda yelled, her voice a mix of shock and anger. She scrambled to her feet, eyes darting around as she tried to make sense of the chaos.

The Dark Riders were momentarily disoriented by the blast, but Sabine quickly regained her composure. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the scene, a smirk curling on her lips. 

"Oh, did we hit a nerve?" She taunted, her voice dripping with mock concern.

Ignoring her, you knelt beside Lisa, who was struggling to sit up, her face contorted with pain. 

"Are you okay?" You asked urgently, helping her lean against the wall.

Lisa winced but managed a weak nod. 

"I'll be fine. Just need a moment," She said through gritted teeth, trying to catch her breath.

Linda hurried over, casting a protective barrier around the group to buy you some time. 

"We need to get her out of here," She said urgently, her eyes flicking towards the still-dangerous Drakonium.

The Dark Riders, sensing an advantage, began to regroup.