The Nightmare Dragon Steed surged forward like a streak of shadow, devouring the distance to the steps of the Mist Veil Palace in a heartbeat. The instant Marcus's foot landed on the first step, the Cloud-Tusk Lion that had been relentlessly pursuing the Temple Guardian sensed the change.
With a furious roar, the lion spat a blazing fireball. It struck the Temple Guardian squarely and erased it from existence in an instant. The beast spun around without hesitation, its burning eyes locking onto Marcus as it charged.
"Heh," Marcus chuckled calmly as he twisted the key. The massive doors of the Mist Veil Palace groaned as they began to open. Just as the Cloud-Tusk Lion closed half the distance, Marcus slipped inside.
