Jessia continued to hold me from behind, a the sun seemed to dim, and a filthy black aura overshadowed the forest. My chest tightened, breathing coming in shallow gasps, as every instinct urged me to flee.
A dark, domineering figure strode across the clearing, entering the grove with confidence. He was a wraithlike being, made entirely of living shadows. Darkness wrapped around him like a cloak. His malevolent eyes swept through the trees, glancing right over Luke. I stiffened, holding my breath, as they seemed to find our hiding place, only to continue on without lingering.
"Don't worry, not even he can pierce my shroud," Jessia whispered.
I nodded, but that did little to ease the panic clawing at my chest. Black dots spun across my vision, though from his aura or my vision wavering, I couldn't tell.
"Rash'alon. What are you doing here?" Luke asked, folding his arms crossly. He held none of the respect he had in the vision when the demon first descended.
