Chapter 79

"What darkness do you speak of?" she demanded. "If you value your wretched existence, you will answer truthfully."

"The Black Coven stirs once more," the beast gurgled mockingly. "Their dread rituals will soon rip open the veil between worlds. You puppies are but gnats to be crushed under their unholy might!"

Nessa's growl turned feral. "The Black Coven? That malignant coven of warlocks was banished to the void aeons ago! How is this possible?"

"You know nothing, mangy one!" the trollsmoor taunted. "Their influence has seeped back into this realm over countless years. We are but their harbingers!"

With a mighty heave, it managed to throw Nessa from its back. The direwolf landed hard but rebounded in an instant, circling low with Alia.

"We cannot defeat this abomination through strength of arms alone," Nessa muttered under her breath. "Its dark sorcery protects it.