Chapter 146. The Price of Shadows

When darkness enveloped my eyes, a sinister presence seized my legs with sharp claws, dragging me into an endless abyss. I desperately tried to grasp what seemed to be the ground, but in vain; the force pulling me was overwhelming.

A single drop of blood resonated upon touching the ground, transforming the floor into a red sea of blood, where my disfigured reflection revealed the battle wounds against the wolves. I was startled to notice a malicious smile hovering over my shoulders, a hand resting and caressing with sinister satisfaction.

“Finally, you approach perfection for us!” proclaimed the malevolent being, addressing my reflection.

Instinctively, I threw myself backward, crawling away in terror, observing my surroundings.

“Who, or what, are you?” I asked amidst the void, without spotting anyone.

The entity emerged from the pool of blood, emanating a terrifying presence and an unknown odor, causing intense shivers. My hand seemed to shrink in t