249 Questions of Power

In a mere moment, Brightblade seized so much Essence that it nearly caused Arran's mouth to fall open in shock. The amount was staggering — enough to level half a city, he feared. And certainly enough to wipe away his mansion without even the slightest trace remaining of either the building or those within it.

Yet if she intended to intimidate the two mages, her actions seemed to have the opposite effect. At once, they began to gather Essence as well. Perhaps it wasn't quite as much as Brightblade had managed, but there were two of them, and they had the backing of the entire House of Seals.

Their reaction didn't cause Brightblade even the slightest hesitation. "Begone," she repeated, her voice now eerily calm. "Or die."

She drew her sword in a single fluid movement, and as it left its sheath, it began to glow with a bright white light, so intense that Arran had to squint not to be blinded.