Loryn's ethereal voice drifted across the sanctuary. "Could be desertion. Guards taking their pay and fleeing before the inevitable conflict with the Soul Warden."
"Seven demons, all experienced soldiers, all deserting within two days?" Rynath's tone was skeptical. "That's statistically improbable."
"It's nonsense," Kaedor insisted, though he'd stopped meeting anyone's eyes. "A yellow-eyed demon who makes people disappear? It's a fairy tale. And even if it wasn't, even if there was some rogue demon hunting our people, it wouldn't last long. Not against us." He gestured at the assembled generals. "Any one of us could handle a lone hunter. All four of us together? We'd crush it in seconds."
"Perhaps," Rynath said quietly. "Or perhaps we're underestimating the threat. Again."
Before Kaedor could respond, the sanctuary doors burst open with a crack that echoed through the chamber like breaking bones.
