Isabelle lost her target and her movements faltered. In that split second of hesitation, Andrew had already grabbed her deadly, clawed hand head-on, unleashing a torrent of surging energy.

The purple markings on Isabelle's arm began to fade one by one, like embers being extinguished by torrential rain, hissing as they died out.

What followed was excruciating pain and utter disbelief.

"How is this possible?" Isabelle's eyes widened. For the first time in her life, she actually felt fear.