We were sprinting like our lives depended on it—because, well, they did—when something cold and glowing yanked the rug right out from under my survival plan.
The necklace around my neck—the token, supposedly Kaleon's essence—suddenly lit up like a dying star. It floated off my chest and began humming with an unnatural pull.
Then it dragged me.
Not away from the danger.
Toward it.
"No—No, NO—ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?" I shouted, clawing at the chain like it was a cursed leash.
The stupid thing wouldn't budge. It pulsed with this weird force, yanking me right toward the giant beast still roaring like an ancient volcano with abandonment issues.
ROAARRRRRRR
This is it. This is how I die. I always figured it'd be dramatic, but not "sacrificed by accessory" dramatic.
A firm hand latched onto my arm—Agnos. His golden eyes were sharp, focused.
"Whatever you do—don't let go!" he barked.
Helpful advice if we weren't both being dragged uphill like goddamn parade balloons.
