Later

Darius's POV

The corridor to the east wing was eerily quiet, save for the faint crackle of something unnatural. The air felt heavier with each step I took, charged with magic that made my skin crawl.

When I reached the doorway, the sight before me was worse than I'd imagined.

The room was scorched black, the stone walls weeping a strange, viscous fluid that hissed and steamed as it dripped to the floor. In the center of the destruction stood a creature, massive and grotesque, its skin shifting like molten tar.

It had no defined face, just a gaping maw filled with jagged, dripping teeth.

"Ash," I muttered, gripping the hilt of my sword. "What the hell have you summoned this time?"

The creature turned toward me, sensing my presence. Its movements were jerky and unnatural, as though it didn't fully belong to this realm.

Whatever it touched melted or burnt.

It was dangerous, one touch on my skin would kill me.