Cam strikes where Pal directs and dances away—but not quite fast enough. The creature slices downward with one of its swordlike arms, and she braces for the blow. But when it comes, the impact on her arm is strangely softened, as though she’d been blocked by an invisible shield. She’ll have a nasty bruise later, but nothing worse.

The shimmer around her dissipates, but that doesn’t seem to trouble her. “All right!” she calls, emboldened enough to strike at the construct and slice off one of its arms. Even though it begins to grow back immediately, it’s still a satisfying hit.

Pal can feel Wayne’s focus shift to Camilla, and though he knows they should stay with the construct, he can’t help but follow those thoughts. “Wayne, can you give her the same protection again?”


Cam huffs. “Warden!”

“I’m going to need both of you to hit dead center next. You need all the help you can get!”