The creature's claw had barely reached the surface when the tower began to collapse.
A deep crack spread across the floor beneath John, splitting the old stones apart. Dust filled the air, and a section of the wall broke away, exposing the forest beyond. The others moved back as another violent tremor passed through the settlement.
"Everyone away from the crack!" Aerion shouted.
Darius grabbed Cael by the shoulder and pulled him clear of a falling stone. Sylvara caught Lythriel's arm before she stumbled over a broken section of the floor.
John remained near the center of the room, watching the enormous claw push farther out of the darkness.
It was covered in black scales, but they weren't like his own. John's scales were hard and smooth, with a natural sheen that reflected light along their edges. The creature's scales looked damaged, almost burned, and thin golden lines ran between them like cracks in old glass.
He could feel its mana now.
It was immense.
