ESCAPE I

Ariel knew she couldn't stay and fight—this was a battle she couldn't win through sheer force alone. She had to escape, and quickly, before the garden overwhelmed her. With a swift motion, she summoned her dagger, and Arvina teleported her toward the edge of the clearing, their movements fluid and precise.

The Count spirit seemed to sense her intent, and the trees closed in, their branches forming a barrier that blocked her path. The roots beneath her feet surged upward, trying to ensnare her legs and drag her back into the heart of the garden, but it was too late.

But Arvina was faster.

With a burst of starlight, Ariel vanished into the air, leaving the tangled mass of roots, and appeared on the other side. The barrier of branches loomed ahead, but Ariel didn't slow down. She charged forward, her hand reaching for the satchel at her side.