I scream a warning, already lunging forward though I know I won't make it in time. Typhon rockets past me, abandoning his flying fish disguise for something sleeker, faster—a blue-scaled serpent that slams into the shark's side, knocking it off course.

Pyrin is there a moment later, pouncing on the downed shark and biting viciously at its side. Water magic explodes from the wound like blue blood, steam hissing from between Pyrin’s fiery teeth.

Raith spins, sword drawn as the shark slips free of Typhon and Pyrin, already turning to attack again. This time, he's ready. His blade is a blur, catching the elemental across its flank. The shark shrieks, a sound no natural creature would make, as more blue energy spills from the wound.

"Everyone," Raith shouts, his fires immediately moving into defensive formation. "Get ready!"

I search the fading mist for threats, feeling magically drained and vulnerable. The rising sun and gathering clouds cast everything in eerie, deep red light, turning the forest into a scene straight out of a nightmare.

Without essence, I'm limited to my rapier and whatever Typhon can do while maintaining his cover. But I won't let fear paralyze me. Not now, not when we're all depending on each other.

They emerge from the trees like ghosts—Malakai and his elite guard, at least thirty students with grim faces and drawn weapons. Various colored affinity marks glow in the shadows. I even see Veeni among Malakai’s people, sleeve pinned up over her missing arm.

Serena walks slightly apart from the rest, her perfect features set in cold determination, her fire serpent slithering behind her. Elements of various forms drift behind the group, some flying, some crawling, others lumbering between the trees.

It's fucking terrifying, but my hand remains steady as I grip my rapier and watch them approach.

"Thorne," Malakai calls, his single eye gleaming with malice. "And Hollow. How convenient to find you both in one place."

His shark circles back to him, bleeding elemental energy but still somehow looking eager to attack again. It hovers beside him, teeth bared in a permanent snarl. Malakai pats its head like it’s a godsdamned dog, smiling and saying something so quiet I can’t hear.

Raith steps forward, placing himself at the front of our combined forces. "Call off your people, Malakai. Last chance."

Malakai laughs, the sound hollow and cruel. "This is a competition, Hollow. Not my fault if the weak can't survive it."

"Executing defenseless students isn't a competition," I spit. "It's murder."

Serena steps forward, her orange eyes finding mine. "This isn't just about winning anymore, Thorne. It's about proving who belongs here and who doesn't." Her gaze shifts to Raith. "Empire has no place for traitors and sympathizers."

I feel Raith's cold rage ignite at her words. His hand tightens on his sword, but he maintains his control. "We're going to the quarry. Stand aside or face the consequences."

They're at least equal to our numbers now, maybe even outnumbering us slightly. But many in our group are injured or exhausted.