Orchestral Symphony [26]

Trust me," Lopt said again, his voice too soft, too hollow, like it had lost its meaning.

But Emmeranne wasn't listening.

"Shut up," she said.

In a blink, she vanished.

Aiden's breath hitched.

She reappeared behind Lopt, sword drawn, the edge already mid-swing, her movement like lightning, ready to strike. But before the blade could slice, before she could even touch the fabric of his shirt, a wave of invisible force surged through the air.

Karro hadn't moved much. He just lifted his arms lazily in her direction and Emmeranne gasped.

Her body froze midair, suspended like a puppet whose strings had snapped. The color drained from her face as her eyes widened in horror. Her sword dropped with a dull thud to the ground before she vanished again, this time reappearing by Aiden's side, crumpling to the forest floor.

"Emmeranne!" Aiden dropped to his knees beside her.