A mix of sensations and energy flowed through James’s body. He felt cold and hot all at the same time, the tension in his head vice-like. He could have sworn he was dying. Or was he already dead? He couldn’t really tell, or even bring himself to care as his brain began to catch up with the events of the past hour.

His eyes snapped open as purple swirls of energy enveloped his waist, pulling his body from the ground effortlessly before setting him gently on his ...