Gritting his teeth, Tyr hangs on as the ark glows brighter. Zerra turns around, and I almost choke when she faces me, her eyes filled with loathing and her expression twisted with pain. She doubles over, clutching her stomach before her back arches and her arms fling out. Her head tips back and to the side as her mouth opens wide in a soundless scream.

I press Hylene harder against me as black veins form across Zerra’s skin, climbing up her neck and down her arms like a crystal vase cracking into pieces. She twists, her body bending like a blade of grass blowing in the breeze.

I’m so focused on Zerra that I almost don’t notice Tyr clutching his chest, his body also curling inwards. “I can’t . . .” he croaks out as his magic stutters and flashes.

“Tyr!” I shout. “Everyone get out! Hylene! Go!”

They begin to make their way towards the door as I run to Tyr, catching him as he stumbles. “Don’t let go! You can’t let go!”

Some instinct tells me that if Tyr releases his magic, Zerra will have the ability to hurt him. He shakes as I cling to him, trying to offer whatever inadequate strength I can. “Tyr! Hang on! You must hang on!”

But he isn’t strong enough. He groans, the sound tearing out of him with a roar, as his magic flickers one last time, and then he falls against me and collapses.

Zerra’s form solidifies, a grim smile twisting her face. She lifts an arm, white sparks gathering in her palm.

And then she hurls a ball of crackling silver light in our direction.

I’m clutching Tyr, waiting for the strike, when everything seems to reverse in slow motion as a beam of pure golden light spears into the center of Zerra’s chest.

She bends back and screams before the sound cuts off, and she morphs back into her previous, barely there form. Gaping, I stare at her. It takes me a moment to realize it’s Erevan, his jaw set as he holds out his hand, funneling magic into the ark, his light brighter and so much more vibrant than Tyr’s.

He moves closer, the ark glowing brighter and brighter as Zerra continues her silent scream. More and more cracks form on her skin while she claws at her face and chest and arms. Her hair rises from her head, fanning out as static streaks of lightning surround her in a flashing, throbbing column.

The ark explodes in a blinding flash, splinters arrowing through the air.

Again, I brace myself for the impact, but Erevan spins up his magic and encases us in a protective shield of golden light. I see the pieces crash against it in bright flashes before they fall to the floor.

A moment later, he releases it, leaving the three of us alone in the silent throne room.

We stare at each other.