I stood at the edge of the crater, spinning my staff once before letting it vanish in a flash of light. My feet touched down beside the crater's rim, and my wings slowly faded behind me.
Azalea flew over, landing beside me in a hurry. Her eyes scanned my empty hands, then darted to the crater below.
"What are you doing?" she asked, worry clear in her voice.
I gave her a wink and a small grin.
"Trying to finish this. Don't worry—I've got a plan. But I need you to stay back. Make sure it doesn't turn its attention to you again."
She looked unsure for a second but then nodded and took off, flying a safe distance away.
I rolled my shoulders and exhaled slowly, centering myself as I looked down into the crater.
The Deathmist inside was churning violently again, trying to reform. I could already see the phantom's shape taking hold—twisting, rebuilding.
