Kael’s entire body went rigid.
Midnight felt it instantly through the bond.
Not fear.
Something darker.
History.
The chained creature beneath the estate slowly lifted its head higher from the pit, ancient crimson eyes glowing through drifting dust and falling debris.
It was enormous.
Not fully free yet—but even restrained, its presence smothered the room like pressure before a storm.
The chains wrapped around its body burned with runes that looked painfully old. Some were cracked already.
Breaking.
The Hollow King’s gaze never left Kael.
“I know your scent,” it rumbled.
Kael stepped forward slightly.
Shielding Midnight again.
Always shielding her.
“My ancestors sealed you.”
The creature smiled wider.
“And now their blood kneels before mine.”
Kael’s wolf snapped hard insid
