An uncanny groan resounded from above, shaking the ceiling. The earth ground, dislodging flecks of dust from the ancient stone.
The screech grated against my instincts, clamoring in my brain and rattling my bones.
What in Xamor’s name–
“The statues!” a shocked voice hollered from above. “They’re moving!”
Chapter 81
Allie
The marble screeched as the sculptures detached themselves from the coffin lids.
They were moving.
The statues weremoving.
Ryker and I stared at them next to the wall sliding closed behind us, once again sealing the Heart of Solkar and its secret.
All of them sat up, holding weapons, staffs, shields, books, flowers, and everything else their humans had loved during their lifetimes.
The ancestors returned to protect the crater.
Their eyes glowed an eerie, cold luster of purple.
Alive, they were not.
But if they could move, they could fight.
Even Vylkor’s half-finished figure rose, that same stoic grimace pulling at his lips. Geryll, sweet Geryll, turned his head toward us, in a final greeting.
I knew these sculptures weren’t them, but my heart still barreled at seeing them once more.
“Mom?” Ryker muttered, eyes wide and disbelieving.
Lady Mireya was the first to detach herself fully from the coffin. She jumped down with a thud that shook the entirecrypt and yanked her broadsword from her chest, bits of marble cascading at her feet.
The purple light in her eyes sparked as she looked at Ryker. Through our connection, I felt he was equally aware this wasn’t actually his mother, but her likeness. Still, his chest tightened, breaths coming out shorter.
He reached out a steady hand and touched her cheek, his own eyes sparking to greet hers.
I gulped as her surreal gaze traveled over me, lingering for the briefest moment before she marched forward.
Even through the flashes, Ryker’s eyes reddened, shimmering with tears that didn’t fall.
One by one, the statues dropped down, each thud rattling my bones.
In the shaky flames dancing on the table, the statues looked more menacing, their human lines sharper and unforgiving.
Solkar’s Heart had not only decided to help us after all.
It had given us an army.
One that could march through the mist without fear of their muscles and ligaments dissolving or their lungs choking on the poison.
Blinking the sparks back, Ryker righted his shoulders and nodded at me.
Together, we stepped in front of the waiting stone warriors, right beside Lady Mireya.
