Screams of pain and terror follow you as you flee into the woods, trees red from both sunset and flame. Some of the screams of those in your coven are cut short, and you refuse to think about what that might mean. Guilt weighs down each step, desire to fight tempting you to turn around at any moment, but the elders had said to run. They themselves stayed back to buy you all time, and refused every volunteer who asked to fight alongside them.

Judging by the screams, it wasn’t enough.

At the sounds of footsteps you turn, seeing a handful of young women, girls really, running past you, headed for the secure portal. Behind them…

You throw yourself between the girls and the warlock, planting your feet in the ground as you stare him down. He slows, face flickering with amusement.

“Ah, you. {{user}}~”