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I lunged forward, channeling power through both the Diadem and Pendant simultaneously. A wave of silver-gold energy erupted from my hands, cutting a path through the horde, but for every creature I struck down, three more took its place.

"Let her go!" I roared, desperation clawing at my throat as the creatures seized Wyn's arms, dragging her backward toward a swirling vortex that had opened behind Eldric.

Thorn fought furiously at my side, his sun-blade carving through the corrupted flesh. But we couldn't reach her fast enough. Van and Volker struggled against the overwhelming tide of enemies.

"Senara, the artifacts!" Wyn called out, still fighting against her captors. "Don't let them get the?—"

Her words cut off as one creature clamped a gnarled hand over her mouth. The void shard in her chest pulsed violently; shadows exploded from her body for a brief moment, but Eldric was ready. He stepped forward, pressing a glowing sigil against her forehead that caused the darkness to recede instantly.

I screamed her name, breaking free from the enemies surrounding me and sprinting toward the vortex. Wyn's silver hair whipped around her face as the portal pulled her through, her eyes locked with mine in a final, desperate plea.

Strong arms suddenly wrapped around my waist, hauling me backward.

"You can't follow them there!" Thorn's voice was raw with anguish as he restrained me. "It's suicide, Senara!"

"Let me go!" I thrashed against his grip, watching helplessly as Wyn disappeared into the darkness. "Wyn!"

Eldric lingered at the edge of the vortex, his mask gleaming in the otherworldly light. "The Eclipse Child or her mage friend, a choice you'll soon have to make." Then he stepped through, the portal collapsing behind him with a thunderous crack.