I ran straight into the storm of fire.
Heat blasted against my skin, my robe nearly catching flame as I raised the sword in my hand.
The girl stood at the center of the chaos, her eyes watching me with amusement.
Her power surged through the air, making it heavy, thick, and suffocating.
"Foolish," She murmured. "You will burn."
But I ignored her.
I had already decided—I wouldn't run. I wouldn't hesitate. I would see this through, no matter what.
The masked figure moved beside me, his own blade glowing with crimson energy.
We charged together, cutting through the swirling flames.
The girl raised her hand again and I realised that maybe the motion of raising her hands in the air had something to do woth her powers. A column of fire erupted between us, forcing us apart. I skidded to a stop, coughing as smoke filled my lungs.