Futility

Luke's eyes widened as the demon finished his spell. He turned, jerking his hand toward me. "Run!"

I stood my ground, meeting his eyes, my gaze unwavering. His expression paled.

"No! Xiviyah, listen to me! You can't face this one. It'll crush your soul!" he cried.

Endless darkness poured out of the magic circles, washing against the dome erected by the isolation barrier. It was only a few inches deep, like mist on the ground, yet it rapidly began to rise, filling the barrier like water poured into a fishbowl. It was startling cold, sucking the warmth from my bones, but didn't actually block vision. I gasped as it covered my chest and head, constricting my lungs with its chill.

"Damn it all, why are you so stubborn?" Luke growled, turning to face the demon lord.