The mountain exploded.
Aria was thrown backward as a wave of black energy swept across the valley.
Kaelen caught her before she hit the ground.
“Aria!”
“I’m fine.”
She pushed herself upright.
But she wasn't looking at Kaelen.
She was staring at the enormous figure rising from beneath the earth.
It was taller than the mountain itself.
Its body seemed to be made from darkness and silver fire.
Its eyes were completely white.
The ancient creatures surrounding the valley dropped to their knees.
Even Shadow lowered his head.
Elias stared in horror.
“The Keeper.”
Aria swallowed.
“That thing?”
Her mother shook her head.
“That is no longer the Keeper we knew.”
The creature's voice rolled across the valley.
“I slept for thousands of years.”
The ground trembled beneath them.
“I
