Mallory's pulse pounded in her ears.
The clawed hand continued to emerge from the portal, stretching impossibly far, grasping at the edges of reality itself. A deep, guttural whisper coiled through the air—felt more than heard. It called to her, pulling at something inside her chest, something tied to the key.
The Forgotten King stood still, watching. Waiting.
"The choice is yours," he repeated.
Two Paths, One Decision
Mallory's mind raced.
Sealing the gate would keep the world safe—for now. The power beyond would remain trapped, waiting for someone else to face this same decision in the future.
But breaking it…
She could feel the power beyond. It was vast, ancient, limitless. If she reached out, if she claimed it—she wouldn't just be a survivor anymore. She wouldn't have to run, to fight, to scrape by.
She could reshape everything.
Greg's voice snapped her out of it.