Chapter 19: I Have to Fight What?
Ethan stood still, the cool shadows of the Dark Tower swallowing every shred of warmth around him. He couldn’t help it—his fingers twitched on the hilt of his sword even though he knew better than to start swinging it here.
A hush fell over the circular chamber, lit only by floating violet flames that cast a shifting glow on obsidian pillars. He could feel dozens of eyes on him—robed figures, whispering in voices that seemed half-human, half-hissing shadows.
Then, in the middle of the room, the Tower Master tilted her head and let a small smirk creep across her lips.
"Ah... a man, after such a long time, who wishes to become one of my disciples." Her voice was a sweet poison, both silky and sharp. She slowly stood from her dark throne, and a wave of thick black mana exploded outward.
The entire chamber pulsed like a living thing. Torches guttered and shadows twisted along the walls, taking strange shapes.
And then—
Whoosh.
The Tower Master simply vanished.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. "H-Hey—where the hell—"
Suddenly, she was right in front of him. No footsteps. No sound. One instant she was across the room, the next she was so close he could smell the cool scent of night flowers and ozone radiating from her robes.
Her slender finger hooked under Ethan’s chin, tilting his face up until his gray eyes met hers—twin pools of swirling violet flame.