The lifeless corpse of the general was no longer still. A dense, dark energy began to seep from it, curling and twisting like a living shadow. The air around it grew heavy, oppressive, as though the very chamber was rejecting whatever unnatural force was manifesting.
From within the swirling darkness, a form began to emerge. At first, it was formless, a silhouette writhing in the chaotic energy. But as the seconds passed, the shadow began to solidify, taking on a shape eerily reminiscent of the general's figure.
The form loomed, tall and imposing, its edges undefined as though it was flickering in and out of reality. Its eyes—or where eyes should have been—were voids of pure darkness, emanating an otherworldly malice.
Kaelen tightened his grip on his weapon, his body tense despite his exhaustion. Thane instinctively reached for his claymore, his jaw clenched as he positioned himself in front of Kaelen, protective and alert.
