Ligon and Valia steadied themselves, the boat rocking beneath their weight. Water lapped hungrily at the hull as they righted their posture, shoulders brushing, breaths uneven from the chaos that had flung them down moments ago. Their eyes focused through the veil of mist, familiar shapes flickered. Deuce and his team. Their silhouettes clashing in battle with shadowy beasts. Even from afar, Valia sensed the same enchantment that had ensnared them.

“We must reach them,” Ligon rasped, ...