Swamped

There's a breeze. It's faint, but you definitely didn't feel it before.

And the reason for it is clear: the window's not closed all the way. Was it open the whole time, and you only noticed because the wind picked up? Or did someone open it?

It's not open very wide. If someone slipped in through it, they must have tried to close it afterwards. Or perhaps they only slipped a hand through to grab something next to it?

But if there was anything near the window, it didn't catch your attention before. All you see there right now is a clock.

Wait a moment. You don't know what time it is. If you had seen a clock, you would have made note of the time. You aren't that forgetful.

You see the hands cross at midnight. Then you hear a loud noise, and see nothing at all.

You step away, confused, and your vision returns. Then you realize that was the time magic triggering again. You didn't use a spell, though...

But you have an idea about what may have set it off. Your ether sense confirms it - there's a large quantity of fire ether in the clock. And it's currently reading two minutes to midnight. You need to act fast.

If you get any closer, though, it could trigger the time magic again. And even if you were willing to spare the ether and risk being pulled back early, it could easily disorient you and thwart your efforts to stop the clock. So you'll need to make your move from a distance, preferably without casting a spell.