

The vibrations grew, unconcerned by Rubin’s terror until they were almost too much to bear. His spirit shuddered like a leaf before a mounting storm, the proud Weatherford scholar felt very small and powerless. This was magic, but so subtle and natural that it could have been breathing.

This wasn’t fear that froze him, he’d known that failure enough to recognise it.

Screaming internally at his body to respond, it was as if his spirit was no longer attached to his body. Trapped, staring frozen into the bonfire, Rubin felt the presence swelling behind him.
