A cold, damp presence rolled in, curling around my skin, sliding into my lungs.

Dark mist.

It seeped through the broken doors, swirling thick and black, swallowing the chamber whole.

Everyone coughed, choked, eyes watering as the smoke wrapped around them. The guards staggered, hacking. Wolves whimpered, pawing at their muzzles.

I clutched my chest, gagging, eyes darting desperately for Gregor.

“Gregor!” I screamed, my voice breaking.

Through the haze, I saw him—massive, ...