The first black Key of Seraphyne pulsed faintly in Albedo's palm. The flicker along its edges made it seem to exist slightly out of step with the world, warping the air where it touched.
Ember's mane burned softer now, her breathing steady but deliberate. She gave the Key a long look, ears flicking once, then turned her attention toward the dais's rear wall.
Albedo followed her gaze. A narrow archway had opened silently behind where the Death Knight had fallen, runes faintly glowing on its frame, a way out.
He slid the Key into his System Inventory and walked back through the archway without glancing backwards.
The catacombs gave him no ceremony in departure. One moment, he walked through the carved arch; the next, he was standing at the foot of Vandral's Spine again.
Ember stepped beside him, her flames dimming to embers to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
"One down," Albedo murmured, eyes narrowing as he took in the way the Spine's shadow fell across the land, "Two to go."
