The cavern shook as the Graves collapsed. Runes cracked, stones fell, the whispers died out. But instead of silence, a new sound rose from the abyss below.
Chains. Heavy, grinding, endless.
The ground split, and a new figure emerged—not shadow, not mist, but solid iron. A hulking creature bound in chains, each link glowing with molten red. Its face was hidden behind a mask, but its voice was a low growl that made the cavern quake.
**"The oath is not enough. Blood feeds us… but chains hold you."**
Sayos staggered back, his legs shaking. "Oh great. From creepy whispers to angry iron giant. Can we ever catch a break?!"
Honkai dragged himself upright, lightning sparking weakly. "This… this isn't the same thing. It's a warden. A guardian of the oath."
The creature raised its arm. Chains shot outward, wrapping around the group. Lucy snarled as one coiled around her neck, dragging her to the ground. Sayos slashed wildly with wind, but the chains reformed instantly, tightening.
Rika tried to summon her flames, but her crystal pulsed weakly, drained from the possession. "No… I can't—"
The warden's mask turned toward Mizu's still body. The chains slithered toward him.
**"The flame must remain bound. Forever."**
Rika screamed, crawling forward, her hands bloody. "No! Don't touch him!"
The chains struck.