Interlude [I]

The monster was not breathing. In fact, the strange red stones that protruded from its shoulders were starting to crack and shatter and fall to the floor as powder.

"Damn," Mang Gao muttered.

Mang Gao stared at the body in the hopes that it might change back to the familiar form of Ruong—but it stayed as the strange monster.

Then he walked over to Fu Shen, who was cradling the shell-shocked Fa Mu in his arms, stroking her cheek with his oversized hand. "C'mon, Fu Shen, we need to get out of here."

The mul didn't move.

Putting his hand on his friend's wide shoulder, Mang Gao said more forcefully, "Fu Shen—we have to go."

Fu Shen looked up at Mang Gao as if he had no idea who the half-elf was. Then he looked down at Fa Mu again, nodded, and stood up.

Leaving Drahar's body behind, they departed, Mang Gao leading the way, Barglin carrying Wang Dan, Fu Shen carrying Fa Mu.