As soon as Thornak and Lara stepped into the courtyard, an unnatural fog filled the quiet air.
Thornak stepped in front of Lara, his body tense and ready for a fight.
The fog grew thicker and thicker, twisting itself until a dark shape appeared. The sorcerer's familiar. It was the same monster they had seen in the Vale of Thorns, its body shifting like smoke and shadow combined.
Lara's breath caught in her throat, as she stood behind the king.
Around them, people scattered in confusion, some stumbling as they ran for cover, others frozen in fear, unsure if what they were seeing was real or not.
The creature hissed, its head twisting with a sickening crack until its hollow gaze fixed on Lara.
You, it hissed.
Ninzu stepped out from behind them, her dark robes brushing softly against the ground. A priestess followed close behind her, holding a pale wooden staff.
Ninzu's violet eyes shone brightly as if she had been waiting for this very moment.
