Chapter 97

• The clearing was silent now, the echoes of the disrupted ritual fading into the night. The protective wards, once blazing with energy, had flickered out, leaving only faint traces of their magic etched into the earth. Amara lay on the ground, her breathing shallow, the artifact still faintly glowing in her trembling hands. Xander and Asher knelt beside her, their expressions grim as they assessed the aftermath.
• “She’s burning out,” Asher said, his voice taut with worry. “The artifact’s energy… it’s draining her.”
• Xander placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip steady but urgent. “Amara, can you hear me? We need to get you out of here.”