The closer we got, the stronger the pull.
But the sorcerer’s resistance grew too.
Halfway through a cavern, the ground shook violently. Shadows erupted from the stone itself, forming a beast twice the size of Elias. Its body was smoke and bone, its maw filled with jagged teeth.
It lunged at us.
Elias shoved me aside, slashing at its chest, but his claws passed through like mist. The creature slammed him into the wall, the sound of stone cracking filling the air.
“Elias!” I screamed, throwing a ball of dragonfire at him.
The Ash Queen hurled fire at it only seconds later, flames exploding across its form. It shrieked, staggering back, but didn’t fall.
I forced magic into my veins, my body shaking from the strain. I raised both hands and poured everything I had into a single burst of
