As the warriors stood by, unable to intervene, I somehow summoned the strength to push myself back up onto my feet. The ghost’s smug grin faltered as I met his eyes, locking my gaze with his. Drawing on the last of my energy, I let the light within me surge brighter, blindingly so, until it let out a high-pitched screech. The ghost released its hold on me and was forcefully pulled from the house once more.
The light faded just as quickly as it had intensified, and the moment it disappeared, my legs gave out beneath me and I collapsed. The warriors rushed over, their faces pale with shock.
One of them gently swept my hair aside to inspect my chest, revealing a deep burn in the distinct shape of a handprint. I could see in their eyes that they were unsure of how to help—completely at a los
