Above them, the black column of energy thickened — piercing through the clouds like a wound in the sky.
From here, Damien could see it — the Verdant Verge forest burning with unnatural light. Runes flickered across the distant treetops like veins of lightning, each one pulsing in rhythm with Ivaan's corrupted aura.
The Gate was awakening. Faster than before!
He didn't need anyone to tell him what that meant. If Ivaan succeeded in breaking the seal, the essence pressure alone would most likely wipe Delwig from the map.
Damien clenched his fists. His body ached. His core screamed. But the fire in his eyes refused to die.
He whistled low.
A soft gust of golden feathers answered.
Aquila appeared once more from the portal that he'd just opened, its wings spread wide, shimmering faintly even through the ash. The griffin looked battered — its feathers torn, its body scarred — but its gaze was fierce as ever.
Damien smiled faintly. "I know. One last flight."
