Escape Under Siege

The deafening crack of the outer wards exploding sent a violent tremor through the floorboards. Othella gripped the window ledge as fading sparks of blue magic rained down across the distant tree line.

"Othella!"

Her mother’s frantic shout pierced the sudden ringing in her ears, immediately followed by the frantic hammering of footsteps rushing up the wooden stairs.

Othella forced herself up f