The temple trembled as the Ancient Shadow forced its way through the rift.
Its claws tore deep gouges into the white marble as the air turned to bitter cold.
The moonlight was swallowed by the encroaching darkness.
For a moment, no one moved.
Not until Kael stepped forward to meet the monster at the altar.
"You'll go no further," he said, raising his sword.
Silver light flared along the edge, banishing the darkness around the creature.
The shadow hissed and lowered its great maw to reveal cruel eyes that glowed with amusement.
"And so we dance once more, little king.
Have you forgotten how easily we ended you last time?" the thing spat.
Kael only raised his sword to meet it.
"It has been many centuries since I tasted death."
It surged forward, and Kael barely got his blade up i
