Kai reacted the moment the headmaster's voice twisted into that inhuman growl. The thick, oppressive magic in the room stank of death and corruption, like blood-soaked rot sealed behind ancient stone.
He didn't hesitate.
His arm moved in a blur, launching spell after spell toward the creature wearing Denise Lorian's face.
"Frozen Zone!"
"Icicle Javelins!"
"Wall of Flame!"
"Gravebound!"
"Flamethrower!"
"Wither Bolt!"
Each spell crackled with power. Flames, ice, electricity, tendrils, and more hurtled through the air.
None of them landed.
The moment the spells neared her, they simply… unwove. Like threads snipped mid-air. The magic shivered, then dissolved, coming apart at the seams in a way that made Kai's skin crawl.
"No..." he breathed.
Kleo let out a tiny whimper. Aliza covered her mouth with both hands. The room suddenly felt smaller. Tighter.
