The mansion loomed, dark and ominous. "You need to go!" Tyros yelled, the words swallowed by a sharp blow that sent him reeling.

Stella's voice, a hushed whisper, cut through the chaos. "Mortals, Tyros. We can't reveal ourselves."

"Follow Flora," he gasped, pain lacing his words. He knew the risk, the terrible price of exposure.

A fist shot out, aimed at Stella.

Tyros reacted instantly, throwing himself between her and the attacker. The impact knocked the air from his lungs. "It's ...