Nero's sword was in his hand before he thought. "Lux, clear the civilians. Adam, get to the float. Blake, cover the exits. Khione—"
"I know." Her wand was already raised.
The creature's chains snapped. It leaped from the cage, its bladed arms sweeping toward the nearest cadets. Nero moved. Lightning carried him across the square, his sword meeting the creature's claws in a shower of sparks. The impact drove him back a step, but he held.
"Go!" he shouted.
Lux was already moving through the crowd, his light flaring, guiding people away from the danger. Adam reached the float, his earth-shattering fists crushing the remaining chains. Blake stood at the edge of the square, his bow drawn, covering the exits.
Khione raised her wand. Ice spiraled around the creature's legs, freezing it to the stone. It roared, breaking free, but the pause gave Nero an opening. His sword blazed with fire, and he struck. The creature blocked, but the fire scorched its chitin, and it hissed.
