They are no match for Ethpeal's sorcery, but it's not her I'm worried about. I raise one hand to stop her as she gestures, a sheet of black flame twisting outward from her feet as the trio of Dumonts come to a skidding halt on the slick grass.

"They belong to me." I don't meet her eyes, don't need to. I can feel her power retreating, surrounding me even as Andre pales, damaged face mottled with crusted pus, eyes bulging at the sight of me. He ...