They reached a clearing just before dusk. In the center stood a massive stone archway, its surface covered in ancient carvings. The air around it hummed with energy, a power so intense that Alyssa could feel it in her bones.
“This is it,” Kade said grimly. “The entrance to the Hollow.”
Alyssa stepped forward, but as soon as she did, the air turned ice-cold. A deep, guttural growl echoed from within the archway.
Then, out of the shadows, something stepped forward.
It was like nothing Alyssa had ever seen before—a creature made of darkness itself, its eyes glowing like molten gold. It had no solid form, shifting and twisting like living smoke.
It opened its mouth, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth.
Alyssa clenched her fists. “Well, that’s new.”
Kade stepped beside her, his muscles coile
