The cracks grew rapidly, snapping outward like veins until they expanded into a vast, jagged fissure in the air.
With a sickening groan, the rift tore fully open into a dark portal that pulsed with malice. From its depths oozed thick, suffocating smoke that poured out like a living thing, crawling and coiling across the ground.
Juer'lo's face instantly drained of arrogance. His body stiffened, and in one swift motion he dropped to his knees, bowing low until his horns nearly scraped the dirt.
His eyes locked downward, not daring to meet whatever presence had emerged.
From within the swirling smoke, a pair of glowing red eyes pierced the darkness.
They blazed with unholy fire, sharp and merciless, cutting through the air like blades.
The moment they appeared, the entire world seemed to darken further, as though even the two moons above dimmed in fear.
Riley felt it immediately.
