As the figure walked in. The smoke parted around him like it was alive.
One step.
Two steps.
Slow. Purposeful. Like he wanted to drag it out, wanted them to feel every second.
His shape grew clearer with each step. A man—tall, lean, his body wrapped in torn, blood-stained leathers.
The skin on his face was pale and smooth, too clean.
And the mana rolling off him. Thick, oily, choking.
Not human.
Demonic.
Everyone froze, their instincts screaming danger.
Kyle's breath caught in his throat as his fingers curled tighter around Zalrielle's hilt. The tachi trembled slightly in his grip.
Eleanora moved beside him. Her estoc shimmering with a pulse of dark energy. Her face was blank, cold. But Kyle could see the tension in her jaw.
Reo raised his spear, spinning it once, then braced his stance.
Aaron shifted forward, holding his axe in his one working hand. He didn't speak. But the way he stood. He was ready to fight to the death.
