Below, Zero was still maintaining the flames, while Cinder threw bursts of magic into any writhing bodies not completely consumed.
Then a ripple passed through the air, a high-pitched hum, so sharp it made everyone pause. Nova hovered midair, then called out, "Something's coming out!"
From the portal, a large silhouette emerged, tall and humanoid but wrong.
Its body was made of twisted bones and stitched flesh, armor etched with glowing runes. Its eyes glowed the same violet hue as the portal.
Cinder immediately flung a charged burst of energy at it. The blast hit its chest and dispersed without causing harm.
"What the hell is that thing?" she whispered.
Asher leapt down beside her, his sword already drawn.
"Not just a dungeon creature," he muttered, stepping forward as the figure raised a jagged blade made of bone. "It's a construct. A gate guardian."
