Chapter 313 The Shard's Reckoning

• The world around Ariella seemed to slow as the power of the shard surged through her, its energy weaving into every fiber of her being. Her vision blurred at the edges, but her senses sharpened as the magic wrapped itself around her like a living entity. It was intoxicating, but dangerous. Ariella could feel the pull—an overwhelming force trying to seize control. She couldn’t afford to lose herself now. Not with the lives of her companions hanging in the balance.
• Kaelen glanced at her, his expression a mixture of concern and awe. “Ariella!” he shouted, but his voice felt muffled, drowned out by the roar of the magic coursing through her. He reached for her, his fingers brushing against her arm, but the moment he made contact, a blast of energy rippled from her, knocking him back.
• “Stay back!” Ariella cried out, her voice unrecognizable as it echoed in her own ears. She didn’t want to hurt anyone. But the shard—it was hungry. Hungry for power. Hungry for control.