The altar split apart as the monster pulled free, black stone shattering under its weight. The chamber shook as it stepped down, each claw crushing the floor. Its dozens of eyes rolled wildly, jaws opening and closing, drool hissing as it hit the hot braziers. The beast let out a roar that rattled the walls, a sound like hundreds of voices screaming at once.
The leader raised his arms toward it, his chains of flame stretching wide. "Feed, child of the Maw! Feed on him!"
The monster lunged forward, claws sweeping down like hammers. Asher moved just in time, the blow smashing where he had stood, stone cracking apart. He dashed along the edge of the beast's arm, cloak whipping behind him, and swung his scythe across its hide. The blade bit deep, carving a red line across thick flesh.
