A wave of thundering magic consumed the outermost ranks of men protecting the women and children rising into the sky. Their shields shattered beneath the impact, and the bodies behind them twisted and broke as the attacks tore through their formation.
Blood poured toward the ground, mixing with the crimson rain already soaking Blackspire's crystal walls, while the survivors desperately spread their magic across the gaps left by the fallen.
"Hold on! Use everything you have to stay alive until they escape!" William roared from the middle of the protective formation they had created with their bodies and magic. Blood ran over his lips as the pressure threatened to crush him, but he kept his arms raised, forcing more power through them even as his shoulders began to tremble.
