Chapter 197: Pushed to the limit
Cass was right to worry about how much power putting away the wall was going to take. As soon as Lucian and Lady Ava had done a little transfer of power. and everyone else had a little food break, Cass was given the go ahead to release the wall.
Lucian, as if it was his god given duty, was stanced up behind him as if he had an understanding of what was about to happen. Lady Ava, who had collapsed because of her own magic use, was also anxious.
Vespertine was also anxious, but he seemed to have more confidence in Cass then the other two. Fiona and Lord Ridgewood, who were strictly more physical with their powers, didn’t seem to understand that this could take a lot out of Cass, or take a different kind of turn.
Cass braced himself. He took several deep breaths. Sweat more of a constant stream down his back as he’d held this wall up longer and longer before he began the process of dropping it. Fiona and Lord Ridgewood remained on guard, weapons out in case more undead had snuck up on them during the time that they had been resting.
Cass finally closed his eyes, waving his hands, and began the process of sending the walls back. His knees nearly buckled under him as the wave of magic left him. Lucian was there to catch him. Cass didn’t even need to say anything, his breath on his neck as he spoke to Cass, supporting him.
"I’ve got you sweetness. Keep going." Cass didn’t even pay attention to his words, or the way that Lucian’s hands were under his armpits, holding him up as he continued to wave his hands, sweat pouring down his face. Cass was laser focused on the walls he was looking at and how slowly they were disappearing. Too slowly. He had talked a big game and yet here he was, having a hard time sending back his own magical walls.
Cass couldn’t send them back all at once. It was impossible. So he started doing it section by section. Once he limited himself, it became easier. Lucian was his constant support, holding him up as Cass worked. Lady Ava was also nearby, and Cass wasn’t even aware that he was relying on them until he found that she was offering him water from a flask she kept on her body.
"Nothing strange. Summoned by Eddie." She whispered when she realised he was aware of what she was doing. Cass didn’t stop drinking. He wasn’t having a reaction, and he was sure that Lucian wouldn’t have let her near if he was worried that she was going to hurt him.
Cass felt like it took two hours, but he was sure it was actually just about 20 minutes. He wasn’t about to faint like Lady Ava had, but he did need a few minutes to collect himself after he watched the last wall fall.