Daria’s POV

Noise was abiotic in the forest.

Screams were heard through the trees. Steel clashed against claws. Magic was crackling like lightning splintering. Scarcely had I time to think before a first rogue struck me, and his mouth agape with foam.

"Left!" Lucius shouted.

I did not ask why I did it, I just ducked as a blade flashed through the part of my head that had been there. Just at this same instant Lucius was there, his sword flashing quick and clean. The rogue fell.

I froze for half a heartbeat.

We hadn't planned that.

One more assailant attacked me in the back. I knew it before I...