Sudden Departures (2/2)

Now Nicasi knew why that glowing orb seemed so familiar. He'd seen it before at the inn, but that time there was a terrifyingly huge shadow wolf attached to it.

"It is Erebus..." Loma's voice trembled as her despair gave way to hope. "Hurry. Let him in."

Nicasi released Mara's sleeve, and she rushed to the edge of the magic that contained the alcove, already brandishing her dagger. Loma followed right behind her.

When Mara touched the tip of her dagger to the tree that marked the entrance, the orb that was Erebus's eye winked out like a star. In the next instant, he materialized directly in front of them, pouring out from the shadows in a blur of black.

The wolf gave off the same aura as his master, smooth and sleek, a predator restraining himself only because he felt like it at that moment. His fur was impossibly dark, the color of oblivion, making you think you might fall into it if you got too close.