Chapter 136

Briar’s POV

The throne room had been transformed into a killing field.

Slade’s warriors were positioned at strategic points, weapons at the ready. The null-stone sat on a pedestal in the center of the room, pulsing with dark energy. And I was seated on the throne itself—bait, lure, or sacrifice, depending on who you asked.

"This is a terrible plan," Kai muttered for the tenth time.

"It’s the only plan we have," Slade countered.

The barrier outside finally shattered with a sound like breaking glass, and the ocean itself seemed to scream in protest. Dark magic poured through the breach, corrupting the water, turning it black and toxic.

"He’s coming," Kylan said unnecessarily. We could all feel Malachar’s presence bearing down on us like a tidal wave of malevolent power.

The throne room doors exploded inward, and the warlock strode through like he owned the place. He looked worse than when I’d last seen him—