Chapter 841

Before they could ask more, the cavern shook. Dust fell from above. Screams echoed from the entrance. Mira drew her blades. "They've found us." Jude grabbed Nyra's arm. "We need to move." The remnants began scattering. Magic sparked through the air. The man of light vanished into mist. As they ran toward the back of the cavern, another explosion rang out. The wall behind them cracked. From the opening stepped a creature, tall, wrapped in skin that shimmered like oil, eyes glowing yellow. It had no mouth, no nose, just a face like polished stone. It didn't speak. It didn't need to. Jude knew what it was. Hollowed.

Mira stood between it and them. "Go!" she shouted. "Get to the Sorrowsteel! If you fall now, there is no tomorrow!" The creature lunged. Jude dragged Nyra through the collapsing tunnel. Behind them, the sound of blades and bone. Then silence.