The corrupted guardian filled the mouth of the tunnel like a nightmare forced into shape. Its twisted stone plates scraped the ceiling, red runes pulsing wildly across its warped chest. Shadow rot leaked from the cracks in its limbs like smoke made of blood. Its glowing red eyes locked on me instantly.
The dead end behind us felt like a trap closing.
Felix whispered, voice breaking,
“No. No no no. This is not how I die. I refuse.”
Lira shielded Ember with her body, pressing the younger girl’s face against her shoulder so she would not see the creature towering above us.
Riven moved in front of Leah.
“Stay behind me.”
Leah trembled but nodded.
Nathan pulled me close, his arms tightening around my waist as if he could physically block the monster’s attention.
“Margot,” he whispered,
