Crisha's POV:
The golden light surrounded me completely as I entered the gateway of runes. For an instant, I could see nothing but light—warm and blinding, as walking into the very heart of the sun.
Then my eyes cleared.
I was standing amidst the remains of what had been a temple. The walls were already shattered, piles have already collapsed, their carvings smoothed down that you barely identify those symbols because years have passed. Sunlight filtered through the shattered roof, dust swirling like fireflies in the shafts.
I hold my shield harder. My heart already pounding very fast against my ribcage.
There was a sound that broke. Low rumbling—like distant thunder, but nearer and living.
It came out of what remained of the temple altar.
A lion, enormous and golden, its mane bur
