There was no roar of flames, no superheated blast that raced through the open corridors of the ship. There was no massive lurch as countless tons of force were suddenly unleashed upon a small internal chamber of the Umbral Eclipse.
There was a flash of light, and then silence. It was an unnatural silence; the silence of unexpected deafness, of a heart suddenly stopping. It was the silence of two lovers parting ways after countless years, but without having the chance to say goodbye.
The Umbral Eclipse shuddered, a thick and slow vibration that stole balance and bruised bodies. It happened once, lasted for a few seconds, and then ceased. Any sound that could have come from the vibration was choked out by the oppressive silence.
This all happened in an instant; a singular moment of time sliced from the chronology of creation and frozen for what felt like an eternity. Then it was done.
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“Taldarion, if you are about to do something stupid, we are going to have to throw you like we did that demon,” Fethas snarled.
“Stupid, Fethas? When have you ever worried about me being stupid? You know me better than that.” Ushering her quickly through the closing door, Taldarion called ahead to his mate. “Remember, love. Find Greyseer. Stop the ritual.” He turned back and spoke to himself more softly. “I have a bomb to fix.”
Then the door closed between them, and he was alone with an unconscious demon lord.
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The team reconvenes at the bomb finding Araatris alone to guard it. The others have left. They wait anxiously for Sraath to arrive. When he does, he tosses Thar's blindfold on the ground leaving everyone to wonder if their mentor, teacher, and friend is still alive. Sraath's sword takes Tris' single soul first, but as the fight wears on... more and more fall. Shatterbound. Felshroud. Zadera. Reinforcements arrive allowing Poeryth to divest the demon lord of his blade and giving her time to free the souls within. Ary's voice counts down to an apotheosis while Sraath falls, unconscious. As the doors start to lower, the run for the exit to get out of range and trigger the bomb. Taldarion hesitates, looking behind him and sends the others onward as he turns back.
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