Underlord (Cradle, #6)

by Will Wight

Eithan clearly noticed the mood, because his smile turned sympathetic. “Believe it or not, I do believe rest is valuable. You have worked hard, and any weapon pushed to its limits for too long will break. However, time does not wait, so I’m afraid I must push you one last time.” Lindon was sure this wouldn’t be the last time.

Eithan flourished his arm in a grand gesture. “This is too humble a place in which to present your gift, but not to worry: I will bring you to the proper stage!” Dross made a disgusted sound. [Where am I supposed to put a stage?]

“You want us both to live?” Yerin went on. “You listen to me like I’m the voice of heaven. I say frog, you jump. I say snake, you crawl. I say dog, you⁠—” A nightmarish voice scraped out of the Blood Shadow’s throat. “Woof,” it said. Then it gave her a bloody grin.