Darkness swallowed them whole.
Argolaith and Kaelred stood back-to-back, the world around them devoid of light.
There was no sound—no wind, no distant whispers—only the oppressive silence of an unseen force looming over them.
Kaelred exhaled slowly. "Okay… This is different."
Argolaith tightened his grip on his sword. "Stay focused."
A whisper brushed past Argolaith's ear.
"Are you ready?"
Argolaith swung his sword toward the voice—but hit nothing.
Then—a figure emerged from the darkness.
It was Malakar.
Except—his form flickered.
His robes billowed unnaturally, his glowing eyes pulsing with chaotic energy.
Kaelred stiffened. "Malakar?"
Malakar's voice echoed from every direction.
"Not quite."
Then—the shadow attacked.
The shadowy Malakar moved impossibly fast.
One second, he was in front of Argolaith—the next, he was behind Kaelred.
Kaelred barely had time to react before dark claws slashed toward his throat.
CLANG!
