The Rift Deepens

Chapter 29

The Rift Deepens

✴⋆⋄⋆✴

The night was silent, Alric stood motionless, staring at Cater. For a moment, it felt like time itself had frozen. The Cater standing before him was different—his eyes pitch black, his sword still ablaze with flames, and his fangs visible even in the moonlight.

"Wait," Alric called, his voice breaking the heavy stillness.

Cater stopped but didn't turn around immediately. Slowly, he turned his head, his dark eyes meeting Alric's. For the first time, Alric felt a pang of fear—not for himself, but for the friend who now seemed almost unrecognizable.

"Turn around," Alric demanded, taking hesitant steps closer.

Cater turned fully, his expression unreadable, though his features were still twisted by whatever darkness had overtaken him. His sword flickered, its flames casting shadows across his face.

"Cater," Alric said softly, his voice heavy with worry. "What happened? Where have you been?"