The sea invaded the cave with the fury of a collapsing dam.
Water exploded through the fractured ward, carrying shattered fragments of pale light with it. The torrent slammed into the stone floor and spread in every direction, swallowing ankles, knees, then thighs within seconds. The freezing surge stole the warmth from the chamber, replacing the earthy scent of damp mycelium with the sharp tang of salt and ancient decay.
Kaelen barely had time to inhale.
The wave struck him broadside.
His shoulder crashed against the stone. Air burst from his lungs as the current rolled him across the flooded chamber. Cold swallowed him whole. Saltwater forced itself into his nose and mouth, burning his throat as he fought instinctively for the surface.
Somewhere nearby Aresa disappeared beneath the torrent.
The ritual faltered.
Every glowing thread embedded within the floor dimmed simultaneously.
The steady heartbeat of the network skipped.
Outside, the beast roared.
