The chamber grows cold.
Magic crackles through the air like a silent scream as the skeletal figure creaks upright on its throne of bones. Flames flicker wildly in the wall sconces, casting long, twitching shadows across the cracked stone floor. The lich rolls his head in a slow, grinding circle, bones popping, eyes glowing with a hateful light. His skull tilts downward.
And he sees them.
A breathless second passes.
Then…
"RUUUUN!" Penelo shrieks.
The team bolts for the door in unison. Boots slap against stone. Pip whirls to scoop up Ka'Lula, who's frozen in shock, but before they make it three steps…
THUD.
The giant doors slam shut. A locking click echoes through the chamber.
Veena spins, energy igniting across her body. Horns flaring with violet fire. "SHIELD!"
She throws up a dome of magical force, wrapping the team in shimmering light. Vuvi presses close behind her, gripping the Boombuster, and Penelo curls into a whimpering ball near Pip's legs.
