Zach felt it. Something that shouldn't have happened–that shouldn't have been allowed to happen–had happened. But the stubborn bear wouldn't die, and Yanael was standing on her last legs. The underworld energy was pushing against his barrier, trying to force its way inside.
The underworld energy inside the barrier was gone, creating a vacuum. The air was also mostly used up by the bear, Alzara, and Yanael.
Zach could tell that the bear was confused. Its wounds weren't healing. That, it had already concluded. But now, it wasn't even getting any underworld energy to help it fight against the Curse of Decay.
It could feel it. The bear could feel the cold shadow of Death encroach upon its own. It didn't like it. It roared in pain and anger, resentful of the two flies, one buzzing around and the other refusing to get out of the way.
It couldn't stop its own death.
