For several seconds, they were evenly matched, Magdalyna's vast experience compensating for her reduced power, and Morgana's superior technique offsetting her relative youth.
Then Morgana's hand shot forward, faster than Magdalyna could fully track, and a spear of pure origin energy materialized. It punched through the ancient demoness's defenses and buried itself in her abdomen.
Magdalyna gasped, more from shock than pain. She stared down at the weapon impaling her, then up at Morgana's serene face.
"I told you," Morgana said quietly.
"I can't let you interfere."
She twisted the spear, and Magdalyna collapsed, her weakened body unable to heal fast enough to compensate.
Baren roared again and charged toward Morgana, his dragon form radiating fury. Taeryn and Darian followed, weapons raised despite their exhaustion.
