We were completely engulfed by the archway.
Stone, wolves, and even Thorn's hand in mine were all obliterated by the silvery light that burned into my vision. I briefly believed that the Cradle had ripped me to pieces and strewn me about the darkness like ash.
Then the light went out.
We were standing in a living rock-carved hallway. Silver veins ran like rivers beneath the skin, pulsing faintly in the walls. The air was metallic, moist, and sufficiently thick to taste. It stuck like blood to my throat.
Mira hissed under her breath behind me. "This is wrong."
Kalen looked at her sternly. "You just realized that now?" His voice was ragged and raw, fear cloaked in rage.
Elid paid no attention to either of them. With reverence, he pressed a palm against the wall and whispered something
