I pushed my hand forward, intent on releasing my power, but stopped, eyes wide.
There, with blade raised and raven-black hair all asunder with gritted teeth and a look of pure malice flashing in her almond eyes, was Sasori.
I blanched, just long enough for the tip of her blade to plunge into the neck of an unAwakened cadet—one she and I had trained together—as he foolishly stepped in the way in an attempt to dislodge her from her horse with his spear.
Blood spurted from the wound, the boy falling to the ground in a crumpled heap, only to be trampled and flattened as countless riders flooded the courtyard.
Sasori’s sword pulled easily from his neck, her horse never breaking stride, as she raised it above her head, the blood of her kill dripping down the blade to splatter against her arm and face.
A pang shot through me at the memory of who she used to be, of the woman who claimed to love me and warmed my bed, but this was no longer the Sasori I knew.
She was something darker, twisted beyond all imagination, her pain making her a slave to wickedness.
With a guttural cry, I released my magic, watching in triumph as the ball of light split into smaller spheres, each attacking an approaching rider.
Miraculously, or unfortunately, my attack missed Sasori completely, allowing her to continue galloping into the courtyard.
Dozens fell, knocked unconscious by the Pleasure coursing through their systems.
“Now!” Sol shouted as fire rained from the sky, our Mages aiming for the unconscious bodies on the ground.
Horses reared and shrieked, throwing off riders who were too late to grab the reins. Other attacks from our Mages quickly followed as I withdrew my own blade, my Pleasure Magic nearly extinguished.
Ilyas and I retreated to the cover of the Academy, back behind a small Air Ward that was loosely held by Leal and another newly Awakened Air Mage.
“Sol, this won’t hold for long,” I called as ice spears shattered against the ward, causing it to ripple and buckle.
“Fucking fuck,” she swore, sending a wave of her own magic out in an attempt to sweep horses from their feet. Water Mages joined her, creating a small ocean in the courtyard while an additional Air Mage created a vortex in the water nearest where the soldiers entered.
But, despite what seemed like an early advantage for our soldiers, I had the sinking realization that we were outmatched and outnumbered. Horses with riders still poured through the alley, the sheer size of their force clogging the entrance completely.
Some of the most powerful magical attacks I’d ever encountered were hurled at our shield, creating small holes that slowly grew.
“Who the fuck are these Mages?” Sol grimaced, sweat coating her brow and running down her neck.
I shook my head, feeling rather useless.
“Earth Mages!” I shouted, seeing an opening. “Collapse the alley’s entrance. See if you can buy us a bit of time.”
Sol nodded at me in thanks as six Earth Mages worked to topple the buildings. Horses and men screamed as chunks of rock fell from above, flattening them in a shower of blood and crunch of bone.
A younger girl to my left retched on the stones beneath our feet.
“It will only get worse,” I said with a sad shake of my head.
The collapse of the alley separated the troops in the courtyard from the rest of their forces, but it was only a matter of time before they found their way over or around.
“Sol, if you’re going to attack, you need to do it now,” I said, tension rising in my neck and back.
I tossed my sword from hand to hand, wiping the sweat on my pants as Sol cursed.
“Fine. Release the Air Shield on my command, then hit them with everything you’ve got,” she said.
“And spread out! Become a moving target. Try to stick in groups of three or four at most,” I called.
Leal grunted her agreement, her right hand already reaching for a throwing dagger in her belt.
“Three . . . two . . .” Sol called, and I heard the scraping of feet as Mages moved. “NOW!”
