Chapter 22: The Silent Vex

“Cursed?!” Damon exclaimed, trying to sit up again, but immediately falling over when his abdomen reminded him of his injury. “With what?!”

“The Silent Vex. It’s a kind of inhibitor. You’ll physically heal on the outside, but unless we get to you a healer…it’ll spread internally, and kill you, slowly.”

Damon’s face contorted. “That sounds…pleasant.”

Adelaide sighed and sat back against the rock that was behind her. “Trust me, it isn’t. Kal’s like his father…very jealous, and very heartless. Growing up, he thought the song was enough; that no one could possibly be stronger than him with that ability under his belt. But when my sister began to show unique powers, he became resentful and found a way to create cursed objects. No one knows how, but if you’re not a loyal follower…he shifts and becomes…dangerous.”

“And the Ascenders…they just willingly follow someone like that?”