The descent took longer than the climb.
Floor by floor, the Spire was dying. Without the core at the top feeding energy through the structure, the red veins in the walls had gone dark, and the oppressive weight that had filled the corridors slowly faded. Even the monsters that had been lurking below were collapsing, their bodies dissolving as the energy sustaining them disappeared.
Before they left the top floor, Holden grabbed the largest Wyrm horn from the scattered remains. It was a heavy piece of bone, about three feet long and curved like a scythe. He tucked it under his arm without saying a word.
They reached the ground floor about twenty minutes later. The massive iron doors were still sealed, just as the Royal Guards had left them.
Emric examined the door for a moment before frowning.
"These doors are designed to open from the outside. There should be a manual release somewhere."
Holden placed his palm against the iron.
"I don't think we have time for that."
