146

An idea—any idea—sounds excellent right now. You flash Neve a quick thumbs-up, the only attention you can spare from your continuous battle against the resurrected Venatori. She darts away and the rest of you redouble your efforts, unable even to watch her while trying to stem the tide of your enemies.

You can feel your arms growing heavier. The spells Mae and Ashur are casting seem like they’re getting smaller, weaker maybe. You’re running low on everything: strength, energy, mana. And yet, for long minutes, it doesn't look like whatever Neve is doing has changed anything at all.

Then, very gradually, you notice that the arena seems a little brighter than it was. The light intensifies, brightening faster and faster and taking on an odd greenish hue until, all of a sudden, you realize exactly what Neve is doing.

Wisps are descending on the arena—just a few at first, then dozens, then maybe even hundreds—each one heading straight for one of the walking dead Venatori.