The thing rising from the shattered earth was not a monster made of teeth and claws, but something infinitely worse.
From the center of the deep crater, a massive, pale column of solid flesh forced its way through the bedrock, lifting itself a hundred feet into the air like a grotesque pillar.
Slowly, the thick layer of skin at the top peeled open, revealing a single, giant golden eye that filled the entire space.
The moment the eye opened, a crushing, invisible weight slammed down across the royal courtyard.
It wasn't a physical blow, but a massive wave of pure psychic pressure that instantly dropped Lucien, Kael, Raven, Megan, and Varic to their knees.
The air grew impossibly thick, turning every breath into a struggle as the ancient god's gaze locked entirely onto Elara.
