Aaron remained sprawled at the edge of the hole, staring down at the place where Eric had disappeared.
The white mass had already swallowed him completely, leaving no trace except the faint ripples spreading across its surface.
Aaron could still hear Eric's scream, even though the chamber had fallen silent again.
His fingers slowly curled against the stone. Then he slammed his fist into the ground.
"Fuck! This monster! I swear I will destroy you!"
The impact sent pain through his hand, but it did not ease the pressure building inside his chest.
He struck the ground again, harder, and this time his balance gave way. His forehead hit the stone, filling his vision with a brief flash of white.
He stayed there, breathing heavily, until the pain finally reached him.
Eric was dead.
Aaron had been holding his wrist. He had been close enough to pull him back, yet the tendril had still taken him.
