Alex and Zahra stood in the darkness, right outside a great door, from which crimson light poured outward like a fountain of blood.
Though it was no ordinary glow born of normal crystal, but raw bloodlust made tangible, an oppressive radiance that pressed against their skin and thoughts alike.
"It's as if he is waiting for us," Zahra's voice cut through the silence, steady but edged with ice. "Or more accurately… waiting for someone to face him in a final battle."
"Ozythar has made enemies of the other kings," Alex said. "He rules his people with fear, and fear only works so long as one has the strength to back it."
"Now that he's injured, someone would surely come for him, be it another king, or one from his own clan."
