They stepped down the ridge in silence, each footfall stirring black dust from the cracked shale road.
Darius took the lead, Liam and Emerius flanking him to either side. Red and Annie were behind them, while Charon was in the rear, his eyes constantly flicking to the shadow following them.
'Is this thing just going to keep following and watching me? Blink! Do something! I don't need a stalker at this point in my life!'
The town below waited, silent and still, its buildings clearer with every step. Not a single curtain waved in the windows, no flowing breeze touched the black wooden shingles, and no doors swung open to greet them.
Charon's summons walked around them like a bubble, their hollow eyes watching every inch for a flicker of movement.
The air grew heavier the closer they came. Not colder, but thicker. Like it had more weight than it should, pressing against their skin and slowing their thoughts.
