Silence fell over the wall. Every warrior stared at the dark pillar that pierced the sky in disbelief.
And Hamada, with his eyes wide and teeth clenched, whispered the only thing that came to mind.
"…He's alive."
The moment those words left his mouth, the eyes of the guards snapped toward him.
Alive?
There was no way they could mistake what Hamada meant. For the past two days, since the ruined heir had entered the pit, they had lost count of how many times Hamada had returned to the gate, asking if there were any changes.
Among the warriors of Blackreach, none had wanted his return more than Hamada.
But Hamada wasn't just any warrior. He was a Blood Champion, a person of strength, of power. A rank not easily reached.
Which was why, when he spoke, it became their reality.
Their hearts trembled.
An unevolved… had entered the Darkness Pit… and returned?
"Blood Champion—" one guard began to speak, but he froze in the next instant, his words caught in his throat.
