The colossal elemental creature emerged from the portal, nearly ten feet tall, its body crackling with blue lightning that shimmered like a living shield. The swirling currents of energy never stopped expanding, and its form shifted through colors as though its very essence had not yet stabilized.
"Insolent mortal! Surrender the wretched thief, or face the wrath of the mighty Eldris!" The thunderous voice shook the underground passage. The crystal veins embedded in the rock walls, once glowing steadily, shattered under the pressure, plunging the chamber into darkness broken only by the faint, eerie light of bioluminescent plants.
"I must use this power to save my tribe! I am sorry, but I cannot return it!" The cry came from behind, the voice of Agu, the Nyman shaman. His tone was ragged with fear and grief, as if he had already accepted that there was no escape.
