The crimson rune appeared without warning.
One moment, the origin point of the old God's path remained under his complete control, and the next, a strange crimson light emerged within the endless space. The ancient God's expression changed instantly as he stared at the rune forming in the distance.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"How is this possible?"
For the first time since I had encountered him, genuine shock appeared on his face. The rune hovered for only an instant before its crimson radiance intensified, and then it shot forward with terrifying speed, crossing the space between us before plunging directly into my body.
A crimson cloak suddenly erupted around my body, its flowing energy wrapping around me from head to toe. At the same instant, the invisible force that had been crushing my heart disappeared.
I sucked in a deep breath.
