The door behind them exploded inward.
Beasts poured through the opening. They were nightmares made flesh, creatures of twisted wood and shadow with eyes that burned with the same green fire as the demon. Their bodies were misshapen, limbs too long, jaws too wide, claws scraping against the stone floor with a sound like breaking bones.
"The forest is waking!" Lyra shouted, drawing her weapon. "The demon's pain is spreading."
Kaelen stepped between the beasts and the caged creature. The bond roared in his chest, the pendant blazing with heat.
"Stay back," he said to the beasts.
They did not listen.
They lunged.
Kaelen moved.
His body reacted before his mind could catch up. The bond guided him, flowing through his limbs with a grace that felt like memory. He ducked beneath a clawed swipe, pivoted, and drove his fist into the creature's chest.
The impact sent a shockwave through the chamber.
The beast exploded into splinters and shadows, its form dissolving like mist.
