Amidst the chaos, Dominic caught a fleeting glimpse of Harwick. He was moving, slipping out like a serpent through tall grass, his form almost swallowed by swirling smoke. Aldric was with him, heading toward a side passage where the guards had abandoned their posts.
Dominic tried to rise, but his ribs screamed in protest. His ears throbbed, and the thick smoke made it hard to breathe.
"Harwick's escaping," he rasped between gasps.
"Let him go," Florence snapped, her voice sharp and unwavering. "We have bigger problems now."
She was right. Through the shattered window, Dominic saw them, shadowy figures emerging from the smoke. Dark robes, pallid faces. Leading them was a figure unlike any other, tall, gaunt, cloaked in shadow and ancient fabric, with eyes blazing cold fire.
The lich stepped through the shattered window, and an icy chill swept through the chamber.
