Ghostwater (Cradle, #5)

by Will Wight

“Last time, I did not reveal to you my ultimate technique.”

“A void key! I've only glimpsed them from afar. It's rare for even an Underlord to have such a thing. It contains a private space, accessible only by the one who holds it. Whatever you keep in here, no one can touch it unless they steal the key.” Lindon wished there was a tear running down his face so that he could wipe it away. “I've never seen anything so beautiful.”

“You hit with the strength of a dragon! What is your name, human?” The green-horned man stopped. He wiped blood from his eyes with a thumb, though he didn't bother cleaning the rest of his face. “Ziel,” he said.

This time, Dross' evolution was even more pronounced. He was covered in what looked like purple skin, with one huge eye in the center of his body. He was speaking with an actual mouth now, which Lindon could see was lined with tiny teeth. He looked like a very advanced Remnant, or a cross between a spirit and a sacred beast.

Mercy looked to her, and then to the newcomer. “Hi!” she said brightly. “I’m Mercy.”