Chapter 104: Shadows of the Throne

Emilia’s POV The stink of magic, twisted and incorrect, and the sharp smell of ancient dust filled the air inside the underground temple. The ground shook under our feet as I ran down the dark hallways with Ivana by my side, a reminder of the evil force that had been roused. Every beat of my heart served as a reminder of the peril we were in. It was much worse than we could have ever guessed, whatever we had discovered under the palace. Beneath the stone, I could feel the energy's pulse crushing like a vice into my ribs. It was unclean, archaic, and out of place in this world. Malakar was awakening, its influence spreading like poison through the earth's fissures. Alongside it came the shadow of manipulation, drawing threads from unseen sources. As I turned a curve with my feet just barely touching the floor, I exclaimed, "We need to warn him." With an attitude as stern as mine, Ivana's long strides matched mine. Ivana answered in a strained voice, "I know." However, there are othe