The Tower loomed like a spear against the blood-red sky. Its bricks glowed faintly, as if forged in fire. The heat here was unnatural—oppressive, stifling.
Kael, Eira, and Ashenfang stood at its base, gazing up at the jagged heights.
"It feels like it's alive," Eira whispered.
Kael stepped forward, hand resting on his sword. "It probably is."
As they entered, the air thickened. The walls pulsed like veins. Inside, torches lit themselves, one by one, leading upward through a spiral of molten steps.
A voice echoed from above.
"I've waited, Kael. I want to see if you've truly changed."
Varyn was watching.