SeventhSight dodged the Shoggoth’s tentacles, striking at its core. The Shoggoth roared, its body beginning to destabilize. But then it struck SeventhSight with a tentacle, sending him flying across the street. He struggled to get up, his body bruised and battered. The Shoggoth turned towards him, ready to deliver the final blow. Kairos, meanwhile, was cutting through the Carrionborn like they were paper. His magic was powerful, and they didn’t stand a chance. But there were too many of them, and soon he found himself surrounded. The Shoggoth’s tentacle came crashing down on SeventhSight, but he rolled out of the way just in time. He jumped to his feet, striking at the Shoggoth with all his might. The blade bit deep into the Shoggoth’s core, causing it to let out a deafening roar. It stumbled backwards, its body destabilizing even further.
Erebus and his team are ambushed by the Sons of Ishmael in Urumqi, China. They are captured and taken to a secret location, where they discover the Sons’ plan to use the artifact to bring about a new world order. But Eliana, who had been working with the Sons, has a change of heart and tries to stop them. In the ensuing battle, Erebus is shot and left for dead.
SeventhSight knew that they couldn’t swear loyalty to the Carrionlord. They had to refuse, no matter the cost. He looked over at the others, seeing the determination in their eyes. They all knew what they had to do. Captain Ortega spoke up first. “We will never swear loyalty to you,” he said, his voice firm and strong. The Carrionlord’s eyes narrowed, and she gestured with her hand. Captain Ortega screamed in pain as his body began to contort and twist, his limbs elongating and merging with each other. He was being turned into one of the Carrionborn. The others watched in horror as Captain Ortega’s body mutated, his face stretching into a grotesque grimace. And then he was gone, consumed by the Carrionlord’s powers. The Carrionlord turned to the others. “Who’s next?” she asked, her voice dripping with malice.
When Kairos came to, he was lying on the ground, his head pounding. He sat up, looking around. The others were stirring, groaning as they regained consciousness. Carrionlord stood over them, her eyes blazing with power. She raised a hand, and Kairos felt himself lifted off the ground, suspended in mid-air. “You are no match for me,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt. “You are nothing but insects, to be crushed beneath my heel. And soon, I will crush you all.”
Erebus frowned, his eyes narrowing. “What did you say?” he growled. Carrionlord smiled weakly, her voice barely audible. “You…don’t remember…do you, Erebus?” She coughed, blood dripping from her lips. SeventhSight stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. “Don’t listen to her, Erebus. She’s trying to manipulate you.” But Erebus raised a hand, silencing him. “No, SeventhSight. Let her speak. What do you mean, Carrionlord?” Carrionlord’s smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with triumph.
Carrionlord’s voice was barely audible, but her words struck Erebus like thunder. “You…are my father…Erebus Blackwood…and I…am your daughter…Ereia Blackwood. Our family…was torn apart…by the Order of the Veil. I sought power…to protect myself…and find you. But the Order…they twisted me…into this monster. Erebus, remember…our past…our home…Blackwood Manor?
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