Chapter 276: Chapter 276: Lingering

I greeted the Stronghold as I stepped through into the undercavern.

Light One, he sent, the deep, rumbling of his mental voice crushed rock. I am pleased to see you, as always.

You, too. I hesitated, stared at the statue of the drach lord I'd come to see, hated how much it hurt he'd given up on me the way he had. And yet, could I blame him, ultimately? He'd paid such a massive price for our last victory. He had to have believed it was over to take such a step as this. Still.

Still.

The drach lord sleeps. The Stronghold sounded sad.

He's not dead? Damn you, hope. Take a hike. I didn't need it churning me up inside right now.

Ah, the massive pile of rock that was the building I stood beneath sighed. What I call sleep you might interpret as death? He seemed confused. Mortal ways are so different from mine.

I crossed slowly to Max, stared up at the blank grayness of his solidified form. Is he in there yet?

He lingers, the Stronghold sent. But his time grows short.