(Opening Scene: Eclipse remains coiled protectively around the still-unresponsive Zane, its silent presence a clear deterrent to the academy healers. Master Elmsworth observes the situation with a thoughtful but increasingly concerned expression.)
Despite the palpable aura of power emanating from Eclipse, Master Elmsworth felt a growing urgency to assess Zane's condition himself. The healers' inability to elicit any response was troubling, and he needed to understand the nature of the blockage preventing their aid.
He took a slow, deliberate step towards Zane's bed, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Stand down," he said calmly to Eclipse, his voice firm but not confrontational. "We only wish to help the boy."
Eclipse's dark eyes narrowed, its serpentine form tensing. It remained silent, but the air around it crackled with a sudden surge of shadowy energy. Master Elmsworth continued his approach, his intent clear.
As he reached out a hand towards Zane's arm, a blur of shadow erupted from Eclipse. A tendril of solidified darkness, sharp as a whip, lashed out with incredible speed, striking Master Elmsworth's outstretched hand.
Master Elmsworth recoiled sharply, a hiss escaping his lips as a dark mark appeared on his skin, radiating a chilling cold. The attack was swift and precise, a clear warning.
"Eclipse!" Astrid exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. "He's trying to help Zane!"
Eclipse's attention flickered to Astrid, its posture softening slightly, but its gaze remained fixed on Master Elmsworth with undisguised hostility. It let out a low, rumbling growl, a sound that vibrated through the very floor of the infirmary.
Master Elmsworth, despite the stinging pain in his hand, stood his ground. "This is unacceptable," he stated, his voice now firm with authority. "This familiar is obstructing necessary medical attention." He took another step forward, ignoring the simmering threat from the shadow serpent.
Before he could reach Zane again, Eclipse launched a more aggressive attack. Multiple shadow tendrils erupted, lashing out at Master Elmsworth's arms and legs, attempting to restrain him. The elder mage was forced to conjure a shield of elemental energy to protect himself, the shadowy whips striking against it with sharp cracks.
The commotion drew the attention of other academy staff. The younger instructor who had been tasked with informing the headmaster rushed back, his eyes wide with alarm. "Headmaster Theron is on his way! There's been… an incident in the infirmary!"
The sounds of hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Moments later, Headmaster Theron, a figure radiating quiet power and authority, entered the room. His gaze swept over the chaotic scene – the restrained healers, the shielding Master Elmsworth, the agitated Eclipse, the worried Astrid, and the still-unconscious Zane.
"What in the blazes is going on here?" Headmaster Theron's voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight of command, instantly silencing the tense atmosphere in the infirmary. All eyes turned to the academy's leader.