"Qasima, you made a wrong move," Magnus said.
"Silence, Magnus," Qasima snapped, her lips curling into a sinister smirk. "I may be weakened, but my magic still holds power." She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with malevolent intent as she pressed the cold edge of the dagger against Magnus's neck, drawing a thin line of blood on his pale skin.
"Alora, did you not hear me?" Qasima's voice was sharp and commanding. She increased the pressure of the blade, causing Magnus to wince.
"Stop! Don't hurt Magnus," Alora cried, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. She took a hesitant step forward, her heart pounding in fear.
Qasima's gaze remained locked on Magnus's, her eyes reading his troubled expression with cruel satisfaction. "Then you must do as I say," she stated coldly. Her attention shifted to Alaric, who stood nearby.