"Move!" I barked, pushing Felix forward as the alpha prowled just beyond the flames.
Cassandra's runes were flickering. She was running out of mana.
"Professor…" Garrick's voice was tight, his eyes locked on the alpha. "We can't outrun it forever."
"I know," I growled, wiping the blood dripping from my mouth. My body felt like it was on fire, every movement sending a fresh jolt of pain through me.
But we didn't have a choice.
"Cassandra," I murmured, keeping my eyes on the alpha. "How much mana do you have left?"
"Enough for one more illusion," she whispered, her voice strained.
"Good."
We didn't need to beat the alpha.
We just needed to get away.
"Garrick, cover us."
"On it."
"Felix…" I glanced at him. "If you trip now, I swear I'll throw you into the alpha myself."
Felix gave a weak, terrified nod.
"Move."
We pushed deeper into the forest, sticking to the shadows.
We needed a plan.
We weren't going to make it if we kept running.
