Page 102 of Son of Shadows

His mother’s legacy. Ryuichi could feel it in his bones. She was with him.

Closing his eyes, he savored this moment between the two of them.

A pivotal moment in his life that he’d never forget.

And neither would anyone else.

Orochi turned to see the tear in the fabric of the spirit world. “No!” he screamed. “I won’t go back! I won’t!”

He didn’t have a choice. This was up to Ryuichi. Not the World Eater.

I am Mahōtsukai Ryuichi. The progeny of the Ryukage and Haruka.

Orochi flicked all eight of his tongues out. They reached around Ryuichi’s throat and tightened. He could barely breathe.

Ryuichi tried to cry out for help, but no sound would leave his throat. His vision dimmed. Everything tilted. His grip weakened.

I’m not going to make it.

No. I won’t let it end. Not like this.

He grabbed at the tantō at his waist, but it was hard to grip it. His ears began to buzz. Everything started to go dark.

Masaru ran at him.

As his eyes fluttered closed, Ryuichi willed himself to survive.

I won’t die like this. Not today.

His instincts took over. He yanked the tantō free and slashed.

Orochi cried out and let him go. Staggering away, he tried to flee.

Ryuichi held his hands up, stretching the portal wider.

Orochi wailed and did his best to escape the magnetic force that was dragging him toward the portal.

Ryuichi smiled as he saw the World Eater going through it.

Until Orochi struck out with one of his tails.

One second, Ryuichi was watching the beast return to his prison, and the next, Orochi was trying to take Ryuichi with him.

Ryuichi scrambled and did everything he could to avoid being pulled into his own trap. Something much easier said than done. His world was careening.

Orochi went through the portal first, and Ryuichi was heading for it at a breakneck speed. He threw his arms out, but there was nothing to grab on to.

I don’t want to be trapped!

There was no way to stop it. No way to⁠—

His thoughts scattered as he was suddenly snatched backward, away from the portal.

Stunned, Ryuichi tried to figure out what had happened and found no answers.

Not until he found himself against his father’s chest.

“Close the door, chounan.”