He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, preparing himself for what was about to come.
Well, this was going to hurt.
But just as he chanted the last parts of the incantation, something flew past him that appeared to be struggling helplessly.
As that 'something' passed him, their eyes met for a fleeting second, and that was when Evan realized he might not be so lucky after all.
"A—Ardyn?!" he called out in alarm, the incantation momentarily forgotten. What in the world was going on? Hadn't he already made sure that the man was evacuated hours earlier? This was not a part of the plan! "What in the power of the gods is—"
He made a move as though to rush after Ardyn, but then something made him pause in his tracks.
"Evan!" Mathias's voice suddenly yelled.
Evan immediately snapped to attention, eyes wide in surprise.