Clamour and Smithy instantly froze. Their summons retreated as if burned. The Void Eel phased back to Smithy's side, letting out a low, submissive hiss. The towering Treant rapidly withdrew its roots, shrinking backward into the shadows to escape the Drake's gaze. Along the walls, dozens of cult members dropped to their knees, forcing their mutated horrors to flatten their bellies against the freezing stone.
"My Lord." Clamour dropped into a deep, immediate bow, the arrogant fire in his eyes entirely extinguished. "I was merely—"
