Still alive, but not for much longer.
Nicasi acknowledged the panic that flared inside him at those words, then immediately contained it, locking it away where it couldn't prevent him from tackling the obstacle in front of him.
"You can pass through Ciprian's magic without disturbing it?" Nicasi assessed the Shadow Being. His mindset shifted to a new strategy that would give his sisters the best chance at survival.
Ozul's gaze was cold as he assessed Nicasi right back. The unseen wolves howled again, sounding more like a dream than anything real. One corner of Ozul's mouth ticked upward, and the howling abruptly stopped.
"I'm a shadow," he said. "Barriers mean nothing to me. Do you want my help or not, priest? I will only offer once."
Nicasi glanced at Wren. "Can we trust him?"
"In general, no." Wren's voice was curt. "But if he says he will help, I trust him right now."
A smirk danced across Ozul's lips. "I'm flattered."
