The black chains held us down tight against the freezing cold stone floor of the cave.
Nyxar's crystal heart beat loudly in the enclosed space, the sound echoing off the walls. Thump. Thump. Thump. Each powerful beat made the dark mist swirling around us grow thicker and more suffocating. The darkness seemed almost alive, pressing in from all sides.
Nyxar stood tall over us, looking down at our helpless forms. He appeared perfectly calm and in control. His burning red eyes were bright with triumph.
"You came so very far to reach this place," he said in that soft, cold voice. "That was brave of you. But it was also incredibly stupid."
His gaze settled directly on me, piercing and intense.
"Silver Moon child," he said almost gently. "Your light is quite pretty and impressive. But darkness is the natural home of all living things. Darkness is truth."
