Chapter 34

Amerie found herself standing in an endless pool of shallow, dark water. Steam rose from the water’s surface and a low, thick cloud cover prevented her from seeing anything around her. Distant screams and cries came from every direction. She tried to take a step, but her feet would not move.

“Hello?” she called out. “Where am I?”

Thirteen tall, looking figures appeared around her. They were all barely visible through the fog except for their burning red eyes. While they all appeared humanoid, none were entirely human. One had what looked like giant antlers protruding from its skull. Another seemed to have the body of a snake but a human torso and arms. Yet another had a figure similar to that of a centaur. Amerie strained to see more detail but the fog was too thick. The tallest figure, one with four eyes, tilted its head and reached a hand out in her direction. A ringing filled her ears as the air around her thinned. She put a hand on her throat and gasped. Her vision darkened, but j