Layer Two of the Abyssal World.
The forest was dim, choking on a putrid fog. Black frost clung to the thorny undergrowth. Kronos leaned heavily against a rotting trunk, gasping for breath. He hunched over, casting desperate glances over his shoulder.
Something moved in the mist. Hunting him.
I have to get out, he thought, coughing up dark blood. Get out, then find a way to save Rolan. Pushing off the dead wood, he plunged deeper into the gloom.
Run! Keep going!
Rolan's final screams echoed in his mind. Survive! He had turned back to face the enemy, buying Kronos the precious seconds he needed to escape.
They had failed.
Kronos and Rolan had meant to lead a clan of giants through the Realm Barrier. Their destination was Vigil's Rest on the second layer of the Abyssal World—the territory of the Stoneheart Horde, and their only hope.
But as they breached the Realm Barrier, they collided with a contingent of Nightmare Knights marching into the deeper abyss.
