The whispers of a woman

The lord of crows, his eyes obsidian pools of malevolence, surveyed the trembling travellers before him. His laughter, a chilling echo, reverberated through the snow-laden air. The box, once clutched tightly in Kiera's hand, now floated toward him, drawn by an unseen force. She yelped, her fear palpable.

His satisfaction was a dark flame within him. The core lay nestled within the box. "You all are dead already," he taunted, his voice dripping with cruel amusement.

Kiera's tear-streaked face contorted with desperation. "You have the core!,Free me from your control," she implored, her voice raw, "and let Teri go!"

The lord of crows extended his hand toward her, the black magic swirling like ink. He drew it back from her eye, absorbing it into himself. "Run now, little herlian," he sneered, "you don't even know the way to Herl. What use are you?"