Stephan crouched and lifted Olath onto his shoulder with ease. The boy barely had time to protest before Stephan tightened his grip around his legs.
"You'll only slow us down," he said, his voice calm but sharp. "Hold on tight."
Death stood ahead of them, her violet eyes glowing faintly in the dark. Stephan nodded at her. "You take the front. Anything that gets in our way… cut it down."
"As you wish, my liege," she replied, her tone cold and reverent.
Then, without another word, they moved.
Death took the lead, her bare feet striking the damp earth in a blur. Her silhouette flickered in and out of Stephan's Ki-sense. Behind her, Stephan followed at full speed, his steps soundless, every muscle tuned to precision.
Then came the first sound. A wet screech.
Something crawling fast along the ceiling.
"Sanguivores," Stephan hissed.
