Chapter 34

Author​​ The night sky crackled with electric tension as another flash illuminated the cave entrance.​ Xander stood transfixed at the threshold, his tall frame silhouetted against the tumultuous backdrop.​ "The wind is picking up," he whispered hoarsely.​ Before he could take another breath, a blur of silver moved with supernatural speed. ​ Lorelei lunged forward, her slender fingers grasping his collar with surprising strength as she hauled him backward into the safety of the cave.​ "KABOOM!"​ A blinding bolt of lightning struck precisely where Xander had been standing seconds before, the impact splitting the earth with a deafening crack. The acrid smell of scorched soil and ozone filled the air.​ Xander's knees buckled as the reality of his near-death experience washed over him. ​ "Thank you," he managed, his voice trembling with the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.​ Without acknowledging his gratitude, Lorelei sat on the ground and performed a mystical ritual, her eyes t