Chapter 4, Burden: Part 22

With a gasp, Nina focuses her will, drawing on the residual energy from her encounter earlier with the other monstrosity. A shimmering, illusory pillar erupts from the ground before the creature, a sudden, solid barrier of shimmering light. It's not truly solid, but it's substantial enough to momentarily halt the creature's charge. The beast slams into the illusion, roaring in frustration as the magical construct bends, but holds. It's a distraction, a precious few seconds. A sharp bark rips through the silence, and Rex, a blur of fur and teeth, launches himself at the creature's hind legs, his fangs sinking deep.

The creature yelps, a high-pitched sound of pain and surprise, momentarily distracted from its assault on Ronan. Nina seizes the opportunity, chanting a hastily improvised healing spell, focusing her energy on Ronan's weakening form. The green energy pulsating around him flickers, momentarily receding as the healing magic takes effect. Ronan, groans, his voice low and his body shifts slightly. But the respite is brief. The creature, enraged by the dual attack, turns its fury on Rex, swiping at him with a clawed limb.

Rex, yelps, narrowly avoiding the blow, rolling away to escape the monstrous claws. The illusory pillar begins to weaken, the light dimming. Nina knows she cannot maintain it much longer. The creature, its eyes burning with hate, is turning its attention to Nina and then the weakened Ronan. A new, darker shadow seems to pool beneath its feet, and the green blight swirling around Ronan intensifies. Nina knows she needs to act quickly, or both Ronan and herself will be consumed by the 'fen's darkness.

The weight of the situation presses down upon her, demanding a new strategy. The rhythmic thrum of the crystals among the walls seems to mock her, the only steady sound in the growing darkness. Ronan turns and looks at Nina over his shoulder, his expression filled with both pain and a desperate plea for survival.