Shadows in the Alley
The world turned white as a tremendous explosion erupted behind me. Reacting instinctively, I soul cast an Aegis, though the measure proved futile. The ensuing shockwave slammed into me, breaking through the spell and knocking the air from my lungs. Everything went black as I tumbled through the air, landing hard on my back. My shoulder screamed as the impact incited the Sunpurge, bits of rock and gravel digging into my flesh, leaving long, bloody gashes as I rolled across the ground.
When I came to, I was lying on my back staring up at the sky. My chest was tight and bruised, every breath burning. My ribs ached fiercely, possibly broken, and my sensitive tail throbbed where it had been crushed against the ground. What had even happened? An explosion of that magnitude was the result of powerful magic, fifth-circle or above, certainly not something the inquisitors possessed. Unless…