Jorne already knew from previous encounters that Ashies was far from an ordinary mage.

Though he was no expert in magic, as a seasoned warrior and chieftain of his people, he possessed finely honed instincts from surviving countless battles. Even with his sharpened senses, he had no illusions—had Ashies directed her magic at him, he would have been utterly defenseless.

Reacting to her magic?
Dodging a spell with no visible signs of casting?
Even running mental simulations, no scenario ended in his victory.

Ashies’ presence was enigmatic. Jorne couldn’t detect even a fragment of bloodlust from her, even …