The voice echoed directly in our minds, a sound of shattering glass and screaming metal, accompanied by a screech so high-pitched it seemed intent on splitting our skulls. The words were not spoken; they were thought, felt, endured like a violation of our deepest mental intimacy.
Loriel narrowed her eyes, her face turned toward the celestial abomination. The light of the unholy flames danced across her weary features, illuminating her prominent cheekbones and cracked lips. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest, as if trying to protect her heart from this evil presence.
"What... what is that!?" she asked, her voice choked with fear.
"It's... It's the Antichrist!" I spat through gritted teeth, each syllable torn from a body that could take no more. The Usurper, the Thirteenth Constellation that sought to overthrow the established order, the one threatening to annihilate all our efforts.
