"Stay focused," Emily advised, her voice steady and authoritative. "This isn't over yet."
Asher nodded, stepping forward with deliberate calm. His gaze was fixed on the direction of the roar, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. Whatever was coming, he was ready to face it.
A swirling portal materialized before them, its energy crackling ominously in the air. Asher froze mid-step, an uncharacteristic stillness overtaking him. The others in his squad were similarly paralyzed, their movements halted before they could react. Even before the figure emerged, the sheer presence emanating from the portal was suffocating.
Asher instinctively gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his weapon as he attempted to break free of the invisible force binding him. Just as he was about to push himself further, Emily placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
