A few moments earlier.
The outer domain was a chaotic storm of crimson and black.
Yaro, the Blood Marquis, gritted his teeth as he deflected another massive claw of darkness with a shield of crystallized blood.
'Tch...'
He had to admit, the Night Devourer was a far more difficult opponent than he had anticipated. Even at full power, he was struggling to gain ground. It didn't help that the beast had suddenly shrunk its domain once more, condensing the darkness until it was as hard as steel and heavy as lead.
'Where is the signal?'
He scanned the shifting shadows, his patience wearing thin.
His Master had been clear: 'Keep the wolf busy. You will know when the time is right.'
"But when?" Yaro muttered, launching a spear of blood that shattered harmlessly against the void.
Just then, the world tilted.
"Gah-!"
A sudden, soul-tearing pain erupted from deep within his chest. It felt as if someone had poured molten silver directly into his spiritual veins.
