I launch myself after him, using my full speed to aim for his throat, preparing to rip his head off, as I’m sure he wants to rip off mine.
But he’s backpedaling so fast that he throws himself off the side of the ridge and out of sight before I can reach him.
Iovershoot.
Glance down. Can’t locate him.
The damn black ooze he must have layered across his body gives him a few seconds’ head start before I spot him.
He’s already halfway down the ravine and much farther to my right.
He must be headed to the tunnel.
The opening is situated in the middle of the cliff face that blocks the end of this valley.
The light within the tunnel may not be visible from the outside, but if he draws me into that bright glow,I’llbe the one with vision problems.
Just as I’m about to speed after him, I jolt to a stop again.
Whereas before, the tunnel was completely concealed from the outside, now a silvery glow gleams softly from it.
Unwanted dread builds within my chest.
When did the light grow stronger?
Why is it reaching out through the darkness like that?
My extended delay gives Maxim even more time to get farther ahead of me.
Mentally shouting at myself to move, I soar after him.
He’s fast, leaping from outcrop to outcrop along the side of the valley and within seconds, he launches off a final outcrop, out into thin air, and toward the tunnel’s entrance.
I’m faster.
I reach the tunnel’s mouth just as he does.
My hands close around his shoulders. I’m ready to wrench him back out into the air, but flames explode across his torso, shredding through my fingers and palms.
Before I can heal, he disappears into the tunnel.
Regaining my strength, my hands quickly reforming, I fly after him, preparing myself for the strike of the scorching light now swallowing his form ahead of me.
I tell myself I can fly through it. This light can’t stop me.
Thyra is more important than any pain the light could cause me.
But I was too fucking unprepared.
As I soar into the deepest glow, the light rips through my consciousness, a brutal strike that knocks me to the ground where I land on my hands and knees.
Fuck!
Shouting at myself to move, I attempt to push back to my feet, only to be beaten down again.
A new fear grows.
Can any light burn me now?
