The sky above was veiled in a heavy fog and the thick scent of blood and ash. The forest had long fallen silent behind as a mass of students went through it and the air turned colder as Arthur, Lia, Dean, Ryker, Lucas and a mass of nervous students emerged into the clearing.
There it stood.
The pyramid.
A dark, jagged monument. It was far larger up close than it had seemed from Ryker's description. It looked ancient, carved from stone blacker than night with red veins pulsating faintly across its surface. Flickers of flame danced from torches set along the perimeter, casting long shadows over the hooded cultists patrolling outside. Some dragged unconscious students, others simply stood as they were chanting low and guttural hymns that clawed at the sanity of those listening too long.
Arthur narrowed his eyes, his hand resting against the hilt of his sword. His face was already stained with dried blood and sweat but he held firm resolve.
