Page 28 of An Archer's Redemption

The embrace broke apart with a sense of relief at our burgeoning camaraderie. I had turned back to my seat to gather my notes when a wave of dizziness caused me to stagger, then collapse onto the cold stone before my chair.

The others raced to my side.

“Atikus, are you all right? What happened?” Beatrice asked with alarm.

I could barely hear her. My head swam, and my eyes turned glassy.

In my mind, a shrill voice echoed.“You may have won the day, but you will not defeat me. I claim you, Mage Atikus Dani. You are my Vessel now.”

My eyes widened, and I gasped, struggling to breathe.

My hands flew to my head, as if pressure would stop the presence from devouring my self-control. When that did nothing to help, I reached within myself and seized my Light. A brilliant flame exploded through me as I unleashed its raw power.

Irina’s spirit screamed an otherworldly wail, and I felt her writhing within my skull.

The pressure began to ease, and I laid my head back to gather myself, but Irina’s spirit redoubled her effort.

Searing pain lashed my weary mind.

Tendrils of malice slammed against my brain, probing for weakness.

My mental shield held, but only just. Sweat poured down my face.

“Atikus, can you hear me? Please, open your eyes,” Beatrice shouted.

But the battle raged within.

I dared not spare a moment lest my attacker gain advantage.

Wave after wave hammered my protections.

I’d been caught by surprise and was unable to turn the fight. It was only a matter of time before Irina wormed her way inside.

My strength faded. My magic dwindled. Hers only grew.

How is she capable of such power without a connection to the world of life?

Irina’s laughter echoed through my consciousness.“You always were a dense old fool. You are my connection now. I have access to your reserves and your link to the currents. I willnever tire, so you may as well relent. Be my Vessel willingly, and I will allow a sliver of your consciousness to survive.”

“NO!” I screamed aloud.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Irina narrowed her focus into a single needle-sharp point, then rammed her will into my shield with all her strength.

It was all too much.

Her presence flooded through, consuming my individuality and sense of self. The mighty Mage whose mind could forget nothing cowered in the face of Irina’s ravenous desires. She dove into the recesses of my memories, searching, clawing—until she found a hidden remnant that shocked her into stillness.

In that moment of respite, I drew into myself and gathered the last vestige of my power. Sensing my end, I held nothing back, hurling all that remained of my waning strength at the spirit.

She did not raise her own defenses, and my magic bore into her, a wave crashing against a rocky shore.

Irina’s balance wavered, then her strength faltered. Her spirit was flung from my mind, and I braced myself, walling off my mind with the last of my power.

But Irina’s spirit fled.

I fell across the chamber’s floor, my shimmering robes spread like spilled blood.

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