Page 115 of Arcane Entanglement

The dark mage’s eyes were closed, his face a mask of concentration as he levitated on a buffer of wind magic. Power poured from his body, feeding the machine below.

“What in the blazes is that thing?!” Viggo snarled, his fists clenching at his sides.

“It’s an explosive device.” Evander’s pulse hammered in his veins. “With this, he could level half the southern embankment!”

Chapter46

Renwick’s eyessnapped open at Evander’s words. They glowed with an unholy light that made him flinch.

The dark mage’s voice resonated with power when he spoke.

“Very good, your Grace.” A cruel smile twisted Renwick’s features. “I’m glad to see your reputation for intelligence is well-deserved.”

Evander steeled himself. “This madness ends today, Renwick!”

He gathered his magic around him like a cloak.

Renwick’s smile widened. “Oh, I don’t think so. You’re a tad too late, your Grace. You see, the process has already begun. Soon, this part of London will be nothing but a graveyard for the thralls who live here.”

Rage narrowed Evander’s vision.

Viggo took a step towards Renwick, his eyes burning with hate.

They startled when the floorboards began vibrating under their feet.

The machine beneath the dark mage had hummed into life. An ominous energy crackled along its surface, filling the air with malevolent power.

Evander moved in front of Viggo and thrust his hands forward, sending a barrage of ice shards hurtling towards the device. He scowled when a wall of darkness sprang up before they could connect, absorbing the attack.

The shadow creatures had retreated to their master’s side and merged to form a shield around the machine.

Renwick laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally around them.

“Did you really think you could stop me, Ice Mage?!”

He sent a wave of corrupt energy surging towards them with a flick of his hand. Evander barely had time to throw up a barrier of wind and ice before it struck. The force of the impact sent him skidding backward into Viggo, his boots leaving furrows in the dusty floor.

Viggo steadied him before charging forward with inhuman speed. He leapt, his massive frame soaring impossibly through the air towards Renwick’s suspended form. His fingers were about to close around the dark mage’s ankle when the black wall rose and solidified.

He slammed into the barrier and went flying backwards, crashing into a stack of crates.

“Viggo!” Evander cried out in alarm.

The Brute shook off splinters and dust and climbed to his feet. “I’m alright.”

Evander’s mind raced as his gaze found Renwick and his evil contraption. There had to be a way to stop it, to shut down the device before the dark mage could unleash its devastating power.

This can’t be what the crystal vial was intended for! It’s too big! Is this just another part of their plans to rid this city of thralls?!He clenched his jaw.None of that matters right now.

“Viggo, we have to destroy that machine! I’ll create a path for us!”

The Brute dipped his head briskly.

Magic exploded around Evander as he unleashed his elemental powers.

Renwick scowled. Bolts of evil energy bloomed around the dark mage, along with another horde of shadow creatures.

Wind, ice, and fire swirled around Evander in a furious maelstrom as he deflected Renwick’s attacks and mowed down the monsters, Viggo at his side. They advanced step by gruelling step, the Brute smashing aside the dark magic projectiles that got through his elemental defence.