Chrome and Claws
A surge of light swallowed the chamber, runes exploding in brilliance.
Malrik’s roar broke through it all.
“RAVEN!”
He lunged, seizing her shoulders, trying to anchor her as fire licked from her skin in violent waves. His dragon mark glowed down his neck, resonating against her blood like steel clashing with steel.
Her voice was ragged. “Make it stop…!”
“I can’t,” Malrik growled, straining to hold her thrashing form. “This is the Blade claiming you.”
The sarcophagus pulsed one final time before collapsing inward. From within, a shape flickered, jagged, black as obsidian, veins of crimson fire running along its length. The Hollow Blade hovered, suspended in air, its presence suffocating.