The creature's white wooden mask tilted upward, and from behind it came a sound that made Nero's blood freeze.
Laughter.
Not the cheerful, rasping chuckle from before. This was something deeper, richer, filled with genuine amusement and malevolent delight. It echoed off the fungus-covered walls, multiplying until it seemed like a dozen voices were laughing in unison.
"What does it look like, boy?" the creature said, its voice no longer carrying that theatrical friendliness. Now it was cold, mocking, ancient. "A betrayal, of course."
Nero's jaw clenched. "We had an agreement."
"Oh yes, an agreement!" The creature clasped all four hands together in mock solemnity. "I promised not to harm you or your friends. And I haven't, have I? I haven't laid a single claw on any of you."
Arthur drew his sword, the enchanted blade ringing as it left its sheath. The pale blue runes along its length began to glow.
Jacob hefted his waraxe, the amber runes flaring to life.
