Chapter 45 — Into the Heart of the Court
The march toward the Vaelthorn Court felt like walking into the jaws of the abyss itself.
Thousands of demonic warriors, hellhounds, and shadow beasts moved in a dark tide across the volcanic landscape. The Iron Spire smoldered behind them, a ruined monument to their growing power. Ahead, the Obsidian Throne loomed in the distance — a colossal fortress of black crystal and jagged spires that pierced the smoky sky like the claws of some ancient beast.
Cairis rode at the head of the army beside Liora, his war beast's hooves cracking the scorched earth. The soul bond between them thrummed steadily, warm and possessive, carrying echoes of each other's thoughts and emotions more clearly with every passing day.
"You've been quiet," Cairis said, glancing at her. His crimson eyes softened slightly as they traced the faint shadow runes still lingering on her skin from the transformation at the Spire.
