LIAM

I watched as the artifact exploded in a burst of bright light and hit Maxine, striking her in the chest. It was too quick and she didn't even have the time to react or scream. It hit her, sending her flying a few meters away and us to the ground.

I looked at the center where the artifact once was. Instead of the strange wooden object, there was an ash burn on the grass. I glanced in Maxine's direction to see that she was still lying, sprawled on the ground.

"Maxine!" I yelled, ...