"We need to move," Saguna said, looking around Sahara's preserved room. "Somewhere safer for the crossing. If our bodies are vulnerable..."
"Old Man Reza's hut," Professor Nyala said immediately. "His wards are the strongest in the village outside of this room. We can get there while the domain forces hold the perimeter."
The journey through the transformed village was tense but swift. The shadow creatures had pulled back to avoid the domain forces' advance, leaving corridors of relative safety. Old Man Reza welcomed them without question, immediately strengthening his protective barriers.
"You'll need to guard our bodies," Saguna said once they were safely inside the warded space. "We don't know how long this will take."
Professor Nyala's expression was grim as she surveyed the small hut. Outside, the sounds of battle continued. Domain forces holding their defensive positions while the shadow entities prowled the village edges, waiting for weakness.
