Martin heard the crack through Breakwater Aegis. The Bellhide Brute struck his shield again, but the sound beneath the impact was different from the monster's attack. It came from deeper inside the Belfry, a long metallic groan that traveled through every bridge and bell around them.
Mireva froze in the air while the corrupted western relay flickered silver, black, then silver again. The Brute swung before Martin could look away, forcing him to block on instinct.
"What was that?"
Mireva did not answer. She was still staring toward the center of the lower city.
Rias looked up from the device she had been trying to reach. "That spread."
Mireva landed hard enough to stumble. "No."
Another crack rolled through the dungeon before anyone could move. Dust fell from the bridges, and the Bellhide Brute stopped attacking Martin long enough to turn its head toward the upper district where several Sairren families were still evacuating.
