Even the other Zenith practitioners needed a moment to understand that the empty space before Sorn had somehow become occupied by another person.Rowan recognised the danger only when the man’s hand closed around her throat and tightened. Sharp cracks travelled through the bones around her neck and upper spine as her feet were lifted completely from the ground.“Senior Sister!”Rowan reacted on instinct and drove the broken remains of her sword towards the man’s side, but his free hand caught her arm before the weapon travelled halfway.He gave her shoulder a small twist.Crack!The joint dislocated instantly, leaving the entire arm hanging uselessly before he tossed her away with the same casual force someone might use to discard dirt.Rowan shot across the basin and struck the upper section of the mountain before tumbling down the slope.None of the Zenith women rushed after her because an enormous pressu

The Zenith women looked among themselves, still trying to understand what had just happened and what Mother’s words truly meant.They had never doubted that she regarded the disciples of the Sisterhood as her children. That commitment had existed since the sect was founded and stood behind many of its principles.What they could not understand was Elijah.Lucius’s attack had been aimed entirely at him, and Iris had already been shoved out of danger. Yet Mother had still intervene, only to include him in the same declaration she used for her disciples.There was no time to discuss what that meant, for the threat standing before them demanded their full attention.With Mother now visibly present, the oppressive weight that had crushed their chests disappeared almost completely. The younger disciples could breathe freely again, while Evelyn and the other senior sisters straightened from the pressure that had held their bodies rigid only moments earlier.Their own Grandmaster was standin