"No, I'd better do it on my own. Once my brain recovers…" Annalise lifted her hands and tried to concentrate as she considered what spell might break an invisible barrier. Probably not wind. Fire seemed too dangerous when they were alone in the woods, and it might not work anyway. The only option seemed to be a straight-out energy force created from the mix of all elements.
She focused on her breathing. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale, and exhale until she felt connected to her own powers. She thrust out her arms—
The force of the spell lashed back at her as soon as her powers collided with the ward and knocked her down. Esmeray was immediately there to help her up and if not for her attention fixed on the tree, she should have really taken her time to feel embarrassed for falling so gracefully on the ground in front of him.
