I freeze as the leader moves toward Lila, his threat echoing in her mind. I can't let my best friend pay for her mistakes. With a surge of desperation, I shout a spell.
But it fails.
My heart lurches as the spell fizzles uselessly in the air. No! This can't be happening.
"Stop!" Caleb shouts and proceeds to use his magic to stop him.
Yet it was too late. As the leader plunges the dagger into Lila's chest, the world around me shatters.
Time slows to a crawl as she crumples to the ground, her blue eyes wide with shock and betrayal. Agony sears through my heart, the very fabric of my being wrenching apart at the sight of my best friend's lifeless body.
"No!" I scream, tears streaming down my cheeks, fists clenched in impotent rage. Caleb charges at the leader, but it's already too late.
