The shattered door behind them closed with a grinding finality, the black stone slamming into place as though fused with the chamber itself. A shockwave of oppressive energy radiated from it, vibrating through the squad's bones and rattling the shields of Lisa's blessing. Even the air seemed denser now, thick and oppressive, carrying the stench of dark magic that clung to the walls.
"No… no going back," Mia whispered under her breath, her eyes scanning the towering figure before them. She tightened her grip on her sword, though every instinct in her body screamed for caution.
The figure didn't move, yet the chamber pulsed with its presence. It was as if the shadows themselves bowed and twisted around it, gathering into writhing shapes that seemed almost alive. The heat of the red embers in its eyes penetrated every corner, burning into the squad's minds with the promise of death.
