My heartbeat marked the seconds in triple time while I waited. I ticked my gaze around the sea of black eyes below and clutched the screw like it was the key to Feozva's heaven. I would likely find out soon enough if the key worked.

"Do it then," I whispered.

A black pair of eyes met mine as I said it, and they belonged to the tallest monster in the room. It dissolved into black smoke. Dark wisps rolled up with my next inhale. Pain seared down my throat.

I ...