Bethany and Merrill squealed in unison, their eyes lit up in hope. Hawke's response, however, was to laugh harder. She cast out her hand, the rune on her forehead ablaze, and a blackness began to spread across the Well. Like a painter's brushed dipped in water, the darkness crept through, smothering the silver sheen.
"No, no!" Morrigan plunged into the Well, submerging herself, but she was too late. Embers of red lyrium already sat at the bottom of the pool and they were bleeding black, tarring the water. Morrigan screamed, the particles sticking to her skin, a cacophony of voices burrowing into her skull. She threw her hands over her ears, writhing as inky tendrils snaked across her arms and neck.
"Morrigan!" Lahara dashed to the Well's edge, managing to snatch Morrigan's shoulders and drag her out. She wrestled with the tendrils until at last the snapped, and Morrigan was thrown back into the Herald's arms. Immediately Morrigan thrashed, her eyes vacant as if possessed by some unseen force. It was short-lived, though, as suddenly she fell limp, her skin deathly pale.
"Damn it!" Lahara glared at Hawke. "What the hell did you do?!"
"What sorcery is this?" Abelas spluttered, livid. "How did you taint the Well?!"
Hawke's grin turned manic. She jumped from the top of the Eluvian and stood tall. Her eyes gave off a ghostly blue aura, and Bethany gasped.
"No…" She clutched a hand to her chest. "It can't be…Amber isn't a mage!"
"Justice, you have to stop this!" Merrill cried. "Let Amber go!"
"There is no Justice, and no Amber," Hawke responded, her voice ethereal and distorted. "There is only Etro's shadow." The glow in her eyes brightened. "The shadow we seek to restore."
"That name again," Lahara muttered under her breath. The rune on her hand prickled, and she clenched her fingers.
"We knew you would come, Herald," Hawke continued, staring straight at Lahara. "A pity was not you who fell for our trap."
"You shouldn't have gone to all the trouble." Lahara's mismatched eyes darkened.
"On the contrary, it would have set you free." Hawke began a slow walk towards the Well. By now the water was like tar, bubbling and frothing with red foam. "It is the only way for you to cast off your burden of power, to save yourself and the world from its impending end."
"Amber, what are you talking about?" Bethany's voice was firm, but even she couldn't hide her slight quiver. "Why are you doing this?"
Hawke's eyes flashed.
"To see justice restored, and the divine murderer punished for His ultimate sin!" she answered, crouching beside the tainted Well. "You serve a false prophet, sister. She is no Herald of Andraste but an empty vessel. Join me, unite our power, and bring the undeserving the punishment they escaped!"
"No!" Bethany shot back. "This isn't you, Amber! Snap out of it, come back to me! Please!"
A dark smirk spread over Hawke's lips, and her laughter returned.
"There is no enchantment to break, dearest Bethany," she chortled. "Only acceptance of the truth. And if you will not listen to your own flesh and blood…" The rune on her forehead came to life. "…then face the same fate as those who oppose us!"
She thrust her hand into the Well, and the inky liquid erupted. It fountained upwards, but it didn't break into droplets waiting to splash down. Instead it congealed and shifted, taking solid form. Thick black fur started to coalesce, shimmering in the light, and heavy feathered wings unfurled. Glistening brass talons also emerged, along with razor-sharp teeth, and an ear-piercing scream shook the ruins.
"Get back!" Lahara grabbed Morrigan, then scrambled down the steps, Merrill, Abelas and Bethany in tow. A thundering ripple crashed behind them, cleaving the Well into two, and Lahara glanced back, coughing on the dust cloud. Now a fearsome beast stood upon the ruin, looking much like a black-feathered griffin. It snapped its wings back, sending a strong gust outwards, and Hawke stood beside it, stroking its side.
"What has she done?" Abelas stammered. "It's…she destroyed everything…"
"It's worse than that," Merrill shivered, taking Morrigan and resting her against her knees. "Amber's fused the Corruption with the souls in the Well!"
"Which means one heck of a dust monster that's going to wreak havoc," Lahara finished. She braced her fist, the Shard on her hand glowing. "I have to disintegrate it before it wipes through the rest of the temple, and us!"
"But Lara!" Bethany held her wrist, touching the bracelet. "You've already used too much magic, you have to let us…"
"Inquisitor, we're here!"
Cullen's voice rang out, and soon he and the rest of his forces, along with Cassandra, Iron Bull, Solas and the others came running into the courtyard. More familiar faces also appeared, including Sera, Varric and Cole, but there was still no sign of Elissa, nor Alistair.
"You fools will be no match for my Titan Executioner," Hawke rumbled. "Destroy them, leave the Herald for me!"
The griffin screamed and beat its wings, taking into a powerful dive. Lahara fell flat, the creature's talons sailing overhead, but as she tried to return to her feet, a savage kick hit her. Pain flared through her side and she lashed out, white lightning shooting from her fingertips. Hawke dodged, the attack hitting the wall behind. The Shard on her forehead sprang to life, and she charged, dagger primed.
Lahara kicked out at the last second, tripping Hawke. She recoiled her knees and rolled, hoping to pin Hawke down. But Hawke was stronger. She resisted the push, slamming her elbows into Lahara's chest. Lahara choked, the wind knocked from her lungs. Her back hit the stone floor, Hawke's knees on her stomach and preventing all movement. Gasping, she caught the glint of steel aimed straight for her throat, and her eyes snapped shut.
The blade never made it; instead Hawke shrieked. The pressure on Lahara's torso vanished, and she retreated, watching as Hawke staggered to her feet and yanked an arrow from her shoulder. The Champion's eyes turned wild, and the rune on her forehead sparked to life. She raised her hand, and the Titan Executioner bellowed. It swept its tail and wings, knocking over the soldiers trying to counter, before it sprang. A wave of purple fire escaped its mouth, and Sera and Varric yelped. They jumped off the rampart just as the fireball struck, the stone melting from the impossible heat.
"Damn it!" Lahara swore, ducking behind some rubble and catching her breath. Her bracelet vibrated, yet another segment turned to gold. The cries and screams of the Inquisition echoed throughout, the Titan Executioner carving through them like tissue paper. As it sliced through another rank, Cullen's call to fall back rang out. But the Titan would not let up. It pursued the fleeing troops, its talons and teeth making short work of whomever it caught.
"We can't touch the damn thing!" Iron Bull snarled, regrouping with Cassandra and Dorian beside Lahara.
"Even when our hits land, it does no damage," Cassandra added. "It is more powerful than anything we have fought before!"
"Magic has no effect either," Solas chimed, his jaw set. "I fear only your Shard may give us a chance, Lahara."
"If there's any way I can get near it," Lahara answered, her collar clicking. "We have to find a way to capture Amber, too, and clear a way out."
"Then why don't we trade dance partners?" Dorian suggested. "Perhaps if we can incapacitate the Champion, it will open up some opportunities for the Titan as well."
"I'll get the Eluvian working," Merrill said. "It'll be our quickest escape."
"Sounds good to me," Lahara said. "Alright then, let's…"
"Don't be a coward, Herald!" Hawke taunted—she had returned to the edge of the fractured Well, shielded on most sides by the debris. The Titan Executioner stood below her on ground level, its beak and talons soiled in blood. "Face your demise, let your soul be freed, and spare all this unnecessary bloodshed!"
"Amber, that's enough!"
A burst of fire blazed across the air, straight for Hawke's feet. Hawke jumped aside, the fireball striking the steps and leaving a deep crater. The Titan hissed, flicking rubble off its back with its tail. Lahara looked up to the source, spying Bethany on the remaining upper rampart.
"I don't want to hurt you," Bethany said, priming another spell. "But I won't let you hurt Lara, either!"
"You understand nothing, sister!" Hawke rumbled. "Don't interfere!"
She raised her hand, and the Titan Executioner growled. It jerked its head up, another jet of purple flame building in its mouth.
"Beth!" Lahara darted into the open, running full tilt. As the creature released its attack she stood in the line of fire, her right hand extended and fingers spread. The rune on her hand flared into brilliance, and she caught the ball of magic fire. Grunting, Lahara threw it right back, into the Titan Executioner's face. The beast bellowed, scalded and temporarily blinded.
"Now's our chance!" Iron Bull jumped to the lead. "Hit it with everything you've got!"
He charged towards the Titan, Cassandra and the rest at his heels. The remaining Inquisition soldiers and even Abelas also took up arms again, finding their last droves of resolve. Meanwhile Lahara crashed to her knees, her right hand agony and bile building in her throat. Though the fire hadn't touched her, her palm was blistered and raw, and she couldn't even bend her fingers. Bethany cried her name, followed by rushing steps.
But the touch that came shortly after was not hers. Instead it was Hawke's fingers that burrowed around Lahara's neck. The Champion yanked her off the ground and Lahara gagged, struggling to breathe, unable to break the iron-like band around her throat.
"In death, you will be free," Hawke murmured, her dagger pressed against Lahara's skin.
"Don't…" That was all Lahara could splutter. Her hands weakly clawed at Hawke's wrist. There was no way out.
This was…
Abruptly the Titan Executioner roared, and Hawke froze. Lahara's hand began to burn once more, as did the Shard on Hawke's forehead. The pain was like white-hot acid fire, and Hawke lost her grip, clamping both her palms to her head. Lahara slumped to her knees, her fingers locked around her right wrist, resisting the overwhelming desire to severe her own hand.
Maker make it stop, make it stop, please!
Before her consciousness would succumb, an inhuman screech tore across the courtyard. The hairs on the back of Lahara's neck prickled. Fear overcame the blur of pain and nausea, and she managed to jerk her head up. All she caught was a blur of grey and blue, which disappeared into the far shadows of the ruin, along with the Titan Executioner. Seconds later the Titan was howling, flapping its wings like a trapped bird, a surge of red-black liquid pouring from the wound on its flank. Its blood spilled onto the fractured tiles, when a gauntleted hand emerged from the shadows and plunged into it. The tarry pool clung to the armoured fingers, taking new shape. Then the owner withdrew their arm, pulling out a spear of fizzing Corruption.
Another cry, another flash of movement, and the Titan screamed, the spear piercing its left wing. It stumbled into the open, at least revealing its gallant attacker.
"Elissa!" Bethany's shout made Lahara even more sick. It was not a yell of adulation or relief; rather it was abject terror.
"What…" Lahara clawed at the rubble, forcing her legs to bear her weight. This time Dorian came to her side, and he supported her by the waist. He was gawking at the sight, and after Lahara wiped her eyes, she soon shared his sentiment.
Hawke was stranded beneath the Well, her hands clamped firmly over her face, and behind her Elissa was fighting the Titan Executioner. The left side of her face was black with blood, and she snarled and hissed like a starved animal. Her Corruption spear was doing more damage than any enchanted weapon ever could, ripping through feather and flesh with merciless efficiency.
"Well, it would be just like Elissa to show us up," Dorian commented.
"Wait," Lahara muttered, remembering Bethany's account of what had happened during their time apart. Her right hand continued to sting, and she spat out the saliva pooling in her mouth. "Something's…not right…"
"Lara!" Bethany was running across the destroyed courtyard, her caramel eyes wide. "You have to call a full retreat, right now!"
"But the Titan's finished!" Dorian protested. "I'd have thought you of all people would want your sister to…"
"Call a retreat!" Bethany snapped, grabbing Lahara's shoulders. "Before Elissa…" Her eyes welled with tears, and that was when it clicked.
"Maker above, it's the same as in Stonewar, right?" Lahara's eyes widened. "Dorian, get everyone to fall back to the Well, now!" She hitched herself into Bethany's arms, letting her take her weight. "Elissa's not in her right mind, and once she's done with the Titan she's going to set her sights on us!"
Dorian blinked.
"Well that's a little inconvenient," he sighed. "Never mind, I'll spread the word. I can give Merrill a hand with the Eluvian too. Once we're ready I'll signal you."
He sped away, yelling for Cullen who was regrouping for a further counter attack. The others soon left their positions and also gathered round him. Hawke remained in the shadow of the Well, the Shard on her forehead flashing furiously.
Swallowing, Lahara turned to Bethany.
"How did you snap Elissa out of it last time?" she asked.
"I…I had to stab her, so she lost enough blood to pass out," Bethany said softly. "Then I put her under a hypnosis spell, but that won't work while she's still conscious."
"Ordinary magic like that, no," Lahara said. "But my Shard should do the trick."
"Lara, you can't!" Bethany snatched her bracelet. "You have no magic left!"
"I have enough," Lahara argued, revealing the slim band of silver and pulling her wrist free. "Besides, the Eluvian will take us straight back to Skyhold, so I'll be treated in good time." She bit her lip. "We can't leave Elissa, and there's no way we can counter that Corruption spear otherwise. Just help me find an opening, then get us out of here."
"…okay." Bethany managed a curt nod. "I trust you, Lara."
Lahara nodded, and at the same time the Titan Executioner finally let out its death throe. Elissa's spear punctured its throat, and a flood of liquid red-lyrium flooded out, soaking her chest-plate and legs. The torrent was unstoppable, and the beast collapsed, melting into dark sludge. The droplets however sought each other on the ground, fusing together and forming a bee-line towards Hawke. She had managed to return to her feet, a single hand protecting her face. The first of the inky trails touched her foot, and she extended her arm. It rapidly spread over her entire body, setting into her skin as intricate tattoos that spiralled over her face and arms.
The Shard on her forehead flashed red, and Hawke snapped her eyes open, facing Elissa. Elissa stared back, breathing hard, only her right eye visible beneath the shadow of blood that stained her face. She braced her spear, her own Shard flickering on her chest.
The stand-off ended, and they charged towards each other.
"No!" Bethany cried. She slid herself out of Lahara's arm, running into the fray.
"Beth, wait!" Lahara stumbled after the mage, adrenaline helping to banish the pain and fatigue that was threatening to take over at any moment. Hawke's daggers were glowing blue-white, somehow able to resist Elissa's Corruption spear as they clashed together. But it was obvious it was taking all of the Champion's power to channel the Shard's magic to her weapons, and her steps were starting to falter. Elissa roared, filled with seemingly endless strength as she renewed her assaults.
"Stop it, stop it!" Bethany shrieked, casting a force spell onto Elissa. It managed to stun her for all of a second, but then the rune on her chest burned into brilliance. Bethany gasped, her spell shattered, and she caught her chest with her hand, her brow soaked with sweat.
"Knock it off!" Lahara bellowed, thrusting out both her hands and drawing on the power of both her marks. A blinding beam of white light formed between her palms, and she swung it in a wide arc. It struck Hawke and she groaned, the magic leaving her weapons and sending her to her knees. However, though it had also caught Elissa, it had almost no effect. She retaliated with her fist, and the sickening crunch of bone rang out. Lahara screamed and bowled over to the ground, her vision a blur of tears and blood.
A fierce slice of wind cut through, and Elissa howled, stumbling. Next came a pair of strong hands, and Lahara was thrown over an armoured shoulder, rapidly carried towards the Well. Then, as soon as the journey had started, it ended. She was carefully laid down, and her Shard prickled, stirred to life by the surrounding magic. The Eluvian was active.
"Get her out." Alistair's voice. "Bethany and I will handle Elissa."
"No…" Lahara croaked, hissing as even a blink made her face hurt. "Can't…leave…"
"This battle is lost, Herald," Solas said. "If you use another spell, you will die. We must retreat."
"I…can't…" Lahara struggled to get up, but she was too weak. Another pair of arms wrapped around her, and the last thing she felt was falling into a world of colour.