The Snark's appendages reached toward us, darkness made solid, each tendril leaving trails of cold in the air.
I held the silver flame higher, using it as both light and shield. The Snark recoiled slightly from the brightness but didn't retreat, its form rippling like disturbed water.
Just circled. Patient. Waiting for the flame to weaken.
Astro stirred in my arms, the movement sending fresh pain through both of us where the curse made contact wound, sharp and burning.
"Haven." His voice came stronger than before, consciousness rallying for what might be the last time. "Need to. Tell you. Something."
"Save your strength."
"No. Time." He coughed, silver blood mixed with black appearing on his lips, metallic and bitter-smelling. "This trial. The Snark. I never. Made it. Past here."
I looked down at him, at the black fire consuming him slowly, watching the flames dance across his skin without burning. "What do you mean?"
