"Who told you to take off everything?" Isara snapped.
Kael froze like a man awaiting execution.
He stood in the middle of her private chamber with his trousers around his ankles and his underclothes halfway down his thighs, bare as the day he was born from the waist down.
For one horrifying heartbeat, neither of them moved.
Then Isara pressed two fingers to her brow and exhaled through clenched teeth.
"Pull your underclothes back up, you idiot," she said coldly. "Lower only your outer trousers. To your waist. That is all."
Heat exploded across Kael's face.
He yanked his underclothes up so fast he nearly strangled himself with the waistband, then hurriedly adjusted his outer trousers until they rested low on his hips.
Damn it. Damn it. Damn it.
His thoughts screamed at him.
That cursed illustrated manual ruined my mind. Every time a woman says anything remotely strange, my brain runs straight into a brothel.
He wanted the floor to split open and swallow him whole.
The chamber inside Vane's Summit was quiet again.
Too quiet.
Ancient trees wrapped around the cliffside outside the windows, their branches casting long shadows over the hidden pavilion. Afternoon sunlight barely reached this place. The room remained cool and dim, full of incense smoke and old silence.
Isara stepped closer.
Her pale eyes locked onto his stomach.
Kael shifted awkwardly.
Then he noticed it.
A soft white glow pulsed beneath his navel.
He looked down and felt his breath catch.
Inside his navel sat that strange object he had carried since childhood—a smooth white shard embedded in his flesh like polished jade. Tiny patterns covered its surface, delicate as spider silk.
They looked like runes.
Or scars.
Or something far older than either.
The light pulsed softly.
Alive.
Kael had spent years wondering what it was.
When he was younger, he had asked Isara countless times.
She had always dodged the question.
Eventually he stopped asking.
Now, seeing her stare at it with such naked intensity...
he could not stay silent.
"Master..." he said quietly. "What exactly is that thing inside me?"
No answer.
Isara simply stared.
Her breathing had gone shallow.
Her face—normally carved from ice—shifted with emotions Kael couldn't read.
Shock.
Longing.
Fear.
Grief.
For a moment she looked almost entranced.
Kael grew uncomfortable beneath her gaze.
"Master?"
Still nothing.
"Master, what is this thing in my—"
"You do not need to know yet."
Her voice cracked like a blade.
Kael shut his mouth.
Isara reached into her robes.
She pulled free a folded strip of deep crimson cloth.
With a flick of her wrist, she sent it flying.
The cloth unfurled in the air like flowing firelight.
Before Kael could react, it wrapped around his waist.
It tightened snugly across his abdomen.
The white glow vanished instantly.
Kael blinked.
"What is this?"
Isara stepped back.
"That," she said, "is the Emberseal Sash."
Kael ran his fingers across the fabric.
It felt impossibly smooth.
Warm.
Yet cool.
Like touching sunlight reflected on winter snow.
Crimson ward-scripts shimmered across its surface, fading in and out like breathing embers.
"It was woven from the hide and mane fibers of a Firelight Beast from the Burning Isles," Isara said. "It is one of our Chapter's treasures."
Kael's eyes widened.
"One of the Chapter treasures?"
"Yes."
He nearly fainted from happiness.
She continued.
"It will slowly strengthen your fire affinity every hour it remains on your body. Your path is flame. Your techniques are flame. This artifact suits you better than most."
Kael grinned so hard his cheeks hurt.
"Master... this is incredible."
Then a thought struck him.
He blinked.
"Wait."
She had already gifted him the Eight-Claw Flamescourge.
Now this too?
Two treasures?
For him?
Kael stared at her.
So she actually does care...
His chest tightened unexpectedly.
He had spent years thinking she swung between kindness and cruelty at random.
Maybe that wasn't true.
Maybe she had always cared.
Maybe she just had a terrible way of showing it.
Isara's expression hardened again.
"You are never to remove it."
Kael looked up.
"What?"
"Never."
Her voice turned deadly serious.
"Not while sleeping."
"Not while bathing."
"Not under any circumstance."
Kael laughed awkwardly.
"That seems a little excessive—"
"If you remove it after leaving this mountain," she said quietly, "I will punish you."
The humor vanished from his face.
That tone meant she was not joking.
At all.
Kael slowly nodded.
"Yes, Master."
He still found it strange.
Why would I remove something that makes me stronger?
He shrugged internally.
Women are complicated. Powerful women are worse.
Isara turned away.
"Go prepare. Bring only what you need."
Kael hurriedly adjusted his clothes and tightened his belt.
Then he wrapped the Eight-Claw Flamescourge around his forearm.
The weapon coiled like a sleeping serpent.
He stared at it and grinned.
Tomorrow he would leave Vane's Summit for the first time.
The world was finally opening.
And Kael Ashvane intended to rob it blind.
---
The moment he left the pavilion, Kael sprinted toward an isolated clearing near the rear slopes of Vane's Summit.
No disciples.
No elders.
No witnesses.
Perfect.
He ripped the Eight-Claw Flamescourge free.
The weapon exploded outward with a metallic hiss.
Its scaled segments unfolded like a dragon awakening.
Kael laughed.
"Oh, you beautiful monster."
He ran the Sundering Flame Art through his channels.
Fire Vitae surged from his Crucible.
The whip ignited.
A roaring stream of flame erupted down its length.
Kael swung.
The weapon screamed through the air.
A flaming dragon shape twisted outward.
CRACK—
A boulder split in half.
BOOM—
A tree trunk exploded into burning splinters.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Kael moved like a madman.
Sweat soaked his back.
His laughter echoed through the forest.
Stone shattered.
Wood burst apart.
Fire danced everywhere.
This was nothing like the old Ember-Chain.
That weapon now felt like a child's toy.
The Flamescourge felt alive.
Hungry.
Violent.
Perfect.
Kael was so lost in the joy of destruction that he nearly missed the voice behind him.
"Incredible! Amazing!"
Kael stopped mid-swing.
He turned.
A massive furry head peeked out from behind a tree.
Kael's face lit up.
"Grimhog!"
The enormous bear spirit lumbered into view.
He stood nearly ten feet tall in human form, broad as a wagon, with thick black hair, tiny eyes, and a mouth large enough to bite through a horse.
He looked at the destroyed clearing in disbelief.
Then he picked up a chunk of broken stone.
Its surface had been melted into black glass.
Grimhog stared.
"By all the old gods... half a month ago you couldn't do this."
Kael twirled the weapon proudly.
"My power didn't grow."
He grinned.
"My weapon did."
Grimhog immediately grabbed for it.
"Let me see."
Kael handed it over.
The bear spirit drooled openly.
"What in the hells is this thing?"
"The Eight-Claw Flamescourge."
"Where did you steal it?"
"My master gifted it to me."
Grimhog stared at him in wounded disbelief.
"Why do powerful women keep giving you expensive things?"
Kael smirked.
"Natural charm."
Grimhog gagged theatrically.
Then he brightened.
"Lady Perelda invited everyone to Verdenhall today."
Kael blinked.
"A gathering?"
"A flower feast."
Grimhog grinned.
"You're leaving tomorrow. This sounds like your farewell celebration."
Kael thought for a moment.
That actually sounded perfect.
He might not return for a long time.
"I'll come."
Grimhog immediately grabbed his arm.
"Then move."
Kael pulled free.
"Wait."
"What now?"
"I can't show up empty-handed."
Grimhog's face paled.
"You're going back up the mountain?"
"Yes."
"No."
Grimhog backed away.
"I'll wait here."
Kael frowned.
"What are you afraid of?"
Grimhog shuddered.
"That terrifying woman."
Kael immediately knew.
"Selene?"
"She called me a filthy beast."
"That sounds like her."
"She stabbed me!"
Kael burst into laughter.
Grimhog looked offended.
"I nearly died!"
Kael wiped tears from his eyes.
"She's not always that bad."
"She absolutely is."
Kael patted his shoulder.
"Wait here."
Grimhog muttered darkly while Kael sprinted back toward his quarters.
---
Half an hour later, Kael returned carrying a gourd flask.
Grimhog sniffed it.
"What's inside?"
Kael smirked.
"You'll see."
"You brought alcohol?"
"Better."
Grimhog gasped.
"Food?"
Kael only laughed.
The two launched into movement techniques and raced south toward Jadewash Valley.
Wind howled past them.
Mountains blurred.
The world stretched wide and green beneath the afternoon sky.
Less than an hour later, they arrived.
Jadewash Valley looked like paradise.
Rows upon rows of peach trees stretched for miles.
Pink blossoms burned beneath the sunset like fields of living fire.
At the valley's heart stood a grand estate beside a winding stream.
VERDENHALL
The name was carved above the gates.
They entered.
Servants guided them into the rear gardens.
The feast was already underway.
Tables overflowed with roasted meats, exotic fruits, wine, and sweet pastries.
Laughter filled the air.
Grimhog roared—
"Look who I found!"
Heads turned.
Everyone rose.
At their center stood Lady Perelda.
She was breathtaking.
A full-bodied woman draped in flowing pink silk, mature and radiant, carrying herself with effortless authority.
Ancient power hid beneath her warm smile.
"Well," she purred. "If it isn't Kael."
She pinched his cheek.
"I thought you forgot your big sister."
Kael bowed quickly.
"I wouldn't dare."
He recognized most of the guests.
Simeon the White sat quietly drinking tea.
The Black-White Young Master lounged lazily nearby.
The Flying Marshal laughed loudly at some private joke.
The Sea-Disturbing Marshal tore apart an entire roast boar with his bare hands.
Then Kael noticed someone unfamiliar.
A woman.
And she was dangerous.
Dark brows.
Deep eyes.
Sensual lips.
A figure sinful enough to make saints abandon religion.
She sat calmly with wine in hand.
Watching him.
Lady Perelda smiled knowingly.
"This is Verdis Morcroft."
Kael blinked.
"The new resident?"
Perelda laughed.
"Grimhog tried claiming her territory."
Grimhog looked ashamed.
"The Flying Marshal and Sea-Disturbing Marshal joined him."
Both men suddenly became fascinated by their drinks.
"And?"
Perelda grinned wickedly.
"She humiliated all three."
Kael stared.
"Seriously?"
The three spirits avoided eye contact.
Kael burst out laughing.
Verdis smiled.
Her eyes lingered on his face.
"So this is Kael Ashvane."
Her voice was velvet over poison.
"I've heard quite a lot about you."
Kael smirked.
"Oh?"
"What kind of things?"
"That you're shameless."
"True."
"Greedy."
"Also true."
"Dangerous around women."
Kael paused.
"That feels unfair."
Verdis laughed softly.
"And generous."
Kael relaxed.
"That one I'll accept."
Grimhog slammed the table.
"Enough talking."
He pointed dramatically.
"Kael has a new weapon."
Everyone erupted.
Kael proudly unwrapped the Eight-Claw Flamescourge.
The gathered spirits passed it around.
Their expressions shifted from curiosity to disbelief.
"This is extraordinary."
"Dragon materials?"
"Real dragon materials?"
Kael leaned back smugly.
"Every inch."
The Sea-Disturbing Marshal groaned.
"I'm named after conquering seas and even I wouldn't challenge an eight-clawed fire dragon."
He glared.
"With that weapon, you might actually fight me evenly now."
Simeon nearly spat out his tea.
"Fight evenly?"
He looked amused.
"Didn't Kael already beat you last time?"
The table went silent.
The Sea-Disturbing Marshal's face darkened.
"That was strategic generosity."
The Black-White Young Master snorted.
"You were drunk and got thrown into a pond."
The garden exploded with laughter.
Wine flowed.
Insults flew.
Night deepened.
And for the first time in days—
Kael felt completely at peace.
Eventually he stood.
He removed the gourd from his belt.
"I leave tomorrow."
The table quieted.
Kael forced a smile.
"No idea when I'll return."
He raised the flask.
"I made these myself."
He uncorked it.
Pearl-like pills spilled into a wooden tray.
A rich fragrance flooded the garden.
Condensed Essence Draughts.
Grimhog screamed in delight.
"Yes!"
He shoved one into his mouth.
Then another.
Then five more.
His eyes rolled back.
"This is incredible."
The others quickly joined in.
Within minutes every single pill was gone.
Grimhog licked the tray.
"Not enough."
Verdis smacked the back of his head.
"You ate enough for three grown men."
He looked offended.
"I am larger than three grown men."
Kael laughed.
"When I return, I'll make more."
He looked around the table.
"And if I find rare treasures outside…"
He grinned.
"I'll rob merchants and bring gifts."
That earned thunderous approval.
Then Simeon spoke.
"Do you have proper storage for travel?"
Kael nodded.
"I made a storage pouch last year. Holds about as much as a wagon."
Simeon smiled faintly.
"That's adorable."
Kael frowned.
"What does that mean?"
The white ape removed a plain gray satchel from his waist.
He tossed it to Kael.
Kael caught it.
It looked ordinary.
Very ordinary.
He turned it over repeatedly.
"I don't get it."
Lady Perelda chuckled.
"Try harder."
Kael examined it again.
Still nothing.
Simeon leaned forward with a grin.
"That little bag…"
He paused dramatically.
"Can hold my entire garden."
Kael stared.
He had seen Simeon's garden.
Acres of farmland.
Trees.
Crops.
Storehouses.
His jaw dropped.
"That's impossible."
Simeon smiled.
"That's why I'm giving it to you."
Kael stared at the gray satchel in his hands like it might suddenly bite him.
Simeon the White leaned back in his chair, massive white-furred arms folded over his chest, looking unbearably pleased with himself.
"Do you know what that bag is made from?" the ape spirit asked.
Kael shook his head. "Brother Simeon, enlighten your ignorant little self-appointed saint-lord."
That earned laughter around the table.
Simeon grinned, showing blunt ape teeth.
"Three hundred years ago, while wandering the world, I crossed the northern wilds and found an ancient vine-tree in the lands of the fox spirits. Biggest damn tree I've ever seen. Trunk wider than a fortress tower. It had monsters guarding it." He scratched his chin. "So naturally, I killed them."
"Of course you did," Verdis murmured.
Simeon ignored her.
"I carved living vines from that tree and spent thirty years weaving them into this satchel. Then I carved my own storage wards into every thread."
He pointed at the plain gray bag.
"That thing can swallow half a kingdom."
Kael nearly dropped it.
"What?"
Simeon shrugged. "I said half a kingdom. Maybe less if you're storing mountains."
Kael looked physically pained.
"Brother…" he said weakly. "That's far too valuable."
Simeon suddenly threw an arm around Kael's shoulders hard enough to rattle his bones.
"Oh, shut up."
Kael wheezed.
"We're sworn kin now. What's mine is mine…" Simeon paused.
"And occasionally yours."
The table burst into laughter.
Simeon narrowed his eyes.
"And if you keep refusing, I'll feel guilty for eating all those Condensed Essence Draughts and I might have to vomit them back onto your plate."
Grimhog looked horrified.
"Don't waste pills."
Kael immediately clutched the satchel.
"I accept this sacred burden."
"That's better."
Simeon spent the next several minutes teaching him how to use the Wardian Satchel.
Kael quickly discovered it was absurd.
Different storage spaces automatically sorted materials by type. Herbs went one way. Metals another. Weapons were stored separately. Living creatures could not be placed inside.
"Probably for the best," Kael muttered.
"Definitely for the best," Lady Perelda said with a strange smile.
Kael accepted the gift with repeated bows.
Then Lady Perelda clapped softly.
A servant spirit approached carrying a green porcelain vase.
Inside rested a single peach branch.
Kael blinked.
The branch was breathtaking.
Its bark looked like polished crystal. A single pink bud rested at the tip, glowing faintly like trapped dawnlight.
He leaned closer.
"This is beautiful."
Lady Perelda smiled warmly.
"It came from the oldest peach tree in Jadewash Valley. Thousands of years old."
She studied the branch.
"This was its only solitary bloom. I never understood why."
Her lips moved silently.
Mist suddenly rolled across the banquet table.
Everyone stiffened.
Grimhog looked around wildly.
"Why is the table leaking clouds?"
Then the wine jar in the center of the table lifted into the air.
On its own.
It floated from guest to guest, pouring wine into each cup.
Kael nearly fell backward.
"What in the hells—"
Lady Perelda smiled.
"Peria. Show yourself."
Two tiny pale hands appeared first.
Then delicate wrists.
Green silk sleeves.
Then—
A girl.
She hovered above the table, cradling the wine jar in her arms.
She looked no older than sixteen or seventeen, though spirits rarely reflected mortal age. Her skin was soft and pale as fresh cream. Her lips were pink as peach flesh. Her eyes were huge and bright and innocent.
She floated like drifting smoke.
Grimhog pointed with a shaking hand.
"The wine grew a girl."
The Black-White Young Master hissed in amusement.
"She's the spirit born from the branch?"
Lady Perelda nodded.
"Her name is Peria."
The floating girl smiled shyly at Kael.
Kael forgot how breathing worked.
Lady Perelda continued.
"She only recently learned how to take human form. She can maintain it for roughly an hour each day."
Peria poured Kael wine and giggled softly when he nearly spilled it on himself.
"She knows basic illusion arts," Lady Perelda said. "And she learns quickly."
Her gaze shifted to Kael.
"Take her with you."
Kael choked on wine.
"What?"
"She can serve you while you travel."
Kael nearly flipped the table.
"No."
Peria's face fell.
Lady Perelda blinked.
"No?"
Kael waved his hands frantically.
"No—I mean—I don't need anyone serving me."
He lowered his voice.
"And my master would absolutely kill me."
Verdis laughed so hard she nearly spat wine.
Lady Perelda remained calm.
"She spends most of her time inside the branch."
"That somehow makes this worse."
Verdis leaned toward him.
"She's adorable. Are you really refusing?"
Kael looked at Peria.
She stared at him with wide hopeful eyes.
He looked away immediately.
"I can't."
Lady Perelda's smile faded slightly.
"Peria is special. She was born with mist-form. Her talent is extraordinary."
She gently touched the branch.
"I hoped that if she traveled beyond this valley…perhaps fate would allow her to fully become human one day."
Kael froze.
Lady Perelda's voice softened.
"She is precious to me."
Peria floated beside Kael and carefully refilled his cup.
She smiled.
Pure. Sweet. Trusting.
Kael felt like the worst bastard alive.
Lady Perelda sighed and lifted the branch.
Peria dissolved into mist and vanished inside it.
The old spirit woman looked genuinely disappointed.
That broke him.
"WAIT."
Everyone turned.
Kael groaned into his hands.
"I'll take her."
Peria burst from the branch again and threw herself at him.
Kael barely caught her.
She smelled like peaches and rainwater.
Lady Perelda practically glowed.
She leaned close and whispered the summoning method into his ear.
"She mostly needs clean water. Morning dew is best."
Kael nodded helplessly.
He stored the branch and vase inside the Wardian Satchel.
The spirits erupted into cheers.
They drank like he had just saved a kingdom.
Verdis stayed very close after that.
Too close.
She leaned against him while refilling his cup.
Asked him invasive questions.
Complimented his face.
His hair.
His shoulders.
His hands.
By the time evening arrived, Kael's face was burning red.
Lanterns illuminated the gardens.
More food arrived.
Then more wine.
Then stronger wine.
Even ancient spirits began slurring.
The Flying Marshal slammed his cup onto the table.
"Perfect!"
Everyone jumped.
He stood swaying.
"We're always missing someone. Always scattered."
He pointed dramatically around the table.
"Tonight we are all here."
He spread his arms wide.
"So let's become true family."
Grimhog immediately roared in approval.
"Yes!"
The Black-White Young Master nodded.
"I like it."
Verdis smiled lazily.
"I have no objections."
Her eyes lingered on Kael.
Too long.
Kael went cold.
Absolutely not.
This was already dangerously inappropriate.
He was a disciple of the Runeward Chapter.
These people were spirit beasts.
His master would skin him alive.
Verdis smirked.
"Seems someone is hesitating."
Everyone went quiet.
Kael started sweating.
The Flying Marshal snorted.
"Forget it."
His tone turned bitter.
"He's a proper disciple of a righteous order."
He spat into the grass.
"Why would he bind himself to creatures like us?"
Kael's chest tightened.
That did it.
He stood so fast he nearly fell over.
"I'll do it."
Everyone stared.
Kael swallowed hard.
"We share fortune."
He drew a shaking breath.
"And disaster."
Silence.
Then chaos erupted.
Cheers.
Roars.
Laughter.
Wine spilled everywhere.
They performed the Ironblood Oath beneath moonlight.
Blood on incense ash.
Knees to earth.
Oaths to sky.
Oaths to soil.
Oaths to each other.
Lady Perelda became eldest sister.
Simeon second.
The Flying Marshal third.
The Sea-Disturbing Marshal fourth.
Verdis fifth.
The Black-White Young Master sixth.
Grimhog seventh.
Kael—
dead last.
He somehow felt proud of that.
Grimhog raised his cup.
"To the Eight Wardens of the Jade Peaks!"
The Flying Marshal scowled.
"Wardens sounds respectable."
He grinned drunkenly.
"We should sound terrifying."
Everyone ignored him.
They drank until language became difficult.
Then impossible.
Kael was folded over the table when Verdis poked his cheek.
"You dead?"
He groaned.
"Who said that?"
She laughed softly.
"You surrender?"
Kael forced himself upright.
"Never."
He slammed his cup down.
"Three hundred more rounds!"
He looked around.
Everyone else was unconscious.
Grimhog was asleep under the table.
Face down.
Snoring.
Verdis leaned close.
"I win."
Kael glared at her.
"Cheater."
She smiled.
"I have one final gift."
Kael grinned drunkenly.
"I love gifts."
She stood and grabbed his wrist.
"Then come collect it."
He stumbled after her through moonlit peach groves.
Petals drifted through the air like pink snow.
The world smelled sweet.
Everything felt soft.
They stopped deep within the flowering trees.
Verdis turned.
"Well?"
Kael blinked stupidly.
"Pretty flowers."
She laughed.
"You adorable idiot."
She pulled him down onto soft grass.
Moonlight spilled across her body.
She reclined on one arm.
Her legs folded elegantly beneath her.
She looked unreal.
Kael stared.
"Fifth Sister…"
His voice cracked.
"Where's my gift?"
Her smile turned predatory.
"It's right in front of you."
She let one shoulder of her robe slip.
Smooth pale skin emerged.
Kael forgot every known prayer.
Verdis leaned over him slowly.
"Would you like me as your gift?"
His heart nearly exploded.
She kissed him before he could answer.
Soft.
Hot.
Sweet with wine.
Kael made a helpless sound.
Her arms wrapped around his neck.
Her tongue invaded his mouth.
He had absolutely no defense.
She pushed him onto the grass.
Her lips moved down his throat.
His chest.
His stomach.
Her fingers opened his clothes.
Kael trembled violently.
"This feels…" he gasped.
"Illegal?"
She purred against his skin.
"A little."
Her hand slid over the front of his trousers.
She froze.
Completely froze.
Then slowly looked up.
"Oh."
Kael blinked.
"Oh what?"
Her expression turned stunned.
Then hungry.
Then outright delighted.
She yanked his belt free.
Pulled his trousers down.
Then stared.
"By all dark gods…"
Kael panicked.
"Don't look at it!"
Too late.
Verdis licked her lips.
"You look so harmless until your trousers come off."
Kael tried covering himself.
She pinned his wrists.
"You don't get to hide treasures from family."
She climbed onto him.
"Take my clothes off."
Kael stared.
"What?"
Her smile widened.
"You heard me."
His hands shook violently as he obeyed.
He was terrible at it.
Verdis laughed breathlessly.
"You've never undressed a woman."
He turned crimson.
"No."
Her eyes widened.
"No?"
He shook his head.
Her breathing changed.
She looked genuinely thrilled.
"A virgin?"
Kael wanted death.
Instead he nodded.
Verdis looked like she'd discovered buried treasure.
"Oh, you beautiful disaster."
She slowly undressed herself.
Fabric slid away.
Silk.
Skin.
Curves.
Softness.
Heat.
Kael stared like a dying man seeing heaven.
She guided his hands across her body.
Breasts.
Waist.
Thighs.
He shook harder with every touch.
Everything felt impossibly soft.
Her scent invaded his head.
He could barely think.
Verdis straddled him.
She lifted herself slightly and wrapped one hand around his length.
Kael nearly screamed.
She positioned him at her entrance.
"Relax," she whispered.
Then smiled wickedly.
"I'm about to ruin your life."
Kael looked down.
Saw the slick heat between her thighs.
His soul attempted escape.
He pushed forward—
Then stopped.
Something moved behind her.
He blinked.
Drunk vision.
Probably nothing.
He blinked again.
And sobered instantly.
Behind Verdis rose a massive green tail.
Thick as a barrel.
Segmented.
Armored.
Its hooked stinger twitched in the moonlight.
Huge.
Monstrous.
Venom dripped from the tip.
Kael's entire body locked up.
His eyes bulged.
His erection nearly retreated into another dimension.
Verdis frowned.
"What's wrong?"
Kael pointed behind her with shaking fingers.
His voice emerged as a broken whisper.
"What…"
He swallowed.
"In the everliving hells…"
The giant scorpion tail swayed above them.