Chapter 45: Fragments of Resolve

The wind howls through the torn tent, energy crackling in the air as Kaleb's screams tear through the air. His skin glistened with sweat and his veins bulged like thick ropes as the mana surged through him. Renna and Jareth stood by him, desperately working to contain the mana.

In the corner of her eye, Renna notices Cassie approaching and is overcome by shock.

"Who are you? And what are you doing here?" she shouted over the raging storm.

"You shouldn't be her! Get back! Now!" 

But regardless of her warning, Cassie pushed even closer, determined to reach Kaleb.

"I'm not leaving! I can help!"

Renna shook her head, frustrated by Cassie's unwillingness to listen.

"You'll just get in the way child! You don't know what you're dealing with!"

With his voice strained from the tremendous effort he is putting into containing Kaleb's mana and fighting to stay on his feet simultaneously, Jareth spoke.