Liam backed away slowly, the stone floor cold beneath his boots as Valdora advanced with that same predatory smile twisting his lips. The air in the ruined chamber felt heavier, charged with the scent of old dust and lingering magic.
"Boy, you must have the worst luck," Valdora drawled, his voice smooth as poisoned honey. "Meeting me again on the other side of the continent."
A wry laugh escaped Liam's throat, bitter and hollow. 'I already know I can't win this. Not after what happened last time.' His heart hammered against his ribs, but he kept moving backward, eyes locked on the ancient being. Every instinct screamed to run, yet his feet held their deliberate pace.
Then Valdora's gaze slid past him, as if Liam had suddenly become irrelevant. The demon turned toward the chained figure in the center of the chamber.
Madusa lifted her head, silver hair falling across her face. Her voice came out rough, surprised. "Valdora? You're here?"
