Black fire flashed towards Ezra, blazing with centuries of pilfered magic's rage. The ground itself shook as the curse was judgment. But when the fire reached him, it faltered to spark. The light went out. The air convulsed.

Ezra, handcuffed on his knees, blinked through dying sparks, expecting to die.

There was silence instead.

Melucia rigid, arms upraised high, spell fading on her fingers. Her face contorted in rage and confusion. The throne room shook with fury.

"Why?" she whispered, ...