Astra saw the tide before it reached her. The creatures did not charge as an unthinking mob. They flowed together like a living current, thousands upon thousands of aberrant forms answering the silent command of the colossal entity looming above the ruined city.
Behind her, Jax floated motionless. His eyes were closed as golden light surrounded him in widening circles, each ring larger than the last, until they stretched across entire districts of the forgotten city.
Strange geometric sigils unfolded around him in three-dimensional layers, rotating at different speeds. He hadn't moved since beginning to channel his spell, his mind fully focused on his task.
That worried Astra far more than if he had joined the fight, "He's completely focused..."
Which meant she had to be. She inhaled slowly and lightning danced between every sapphire scale covering her immense draconic body.
Her wings slowly unfolded, the water around her vibrated and then, the first monster attack arrived.
