Both Ethan and the Crowling God froze, equally startled.
Aldric the First's golden Imperial Aura abruptly contracted, then erupted outward in a torrent of inky black energy.
"Holy hell..." Ethan breathed.
The instant that aura appeared, he recognized the sensation. It was the same power that emanated from his mother—the essence of the Lord of the Underworld herself.
"Caw, caw, caw... How can you..."
The Crowling God recoiled a thousand miles in a single motion, its enormous body trembling, its eyes flashing with panic.
"You alone wield the power of faith? Am I forbidden? Do you even know where the Underworld's faith resides?"
Aldric's long hair whipped wildly around his head. His body dissolved into a churning mist of black fog until no trace of flesh remained, only darkness.
"I know very well," the Crowling God screeched. "What I ask is how you dare control it?"
Aldric's laugh rang hollow. "I sat upon that Throne for over two thousand years. What do you think?"
