58: Xander

The surrounding air stirred with electricity. The dread of the Undead reached even him in the make-shift prison cell. Faint cracks and squeaks of Undead rodents scurried about aimlessly. Their gnarled furs and splinted bones that peeked from their decayed flesh did not phase him.

"Xander!"

Her voice reached him. So clear and direct. His palm simmered with heat, mimicking Myra's palm that burned with his mark. His eyes gleamed with an eerie red glow as his wings wrapped around him in a feather embrace. The runes that coated the bars and partial circle in front of his cell simmered with white smoke. The spell was powerful. He gave them credit for that.

But not powerful enough.

Black mist swarmed him, enveloping him in darkness. The scent of brimstone fueled his longs. His eyes closed only briefly before they opened once more. His hand came up and clasped the claws of the monster. Black wings curled around the small children as his arm wrapped around Myra protectively. Her wide eyes w