The secret entrance leads to a network of wide, dark tunnels where everything echoes. There's a creeping dread as you pick a random direction and follow it - it's almost like you're being watched. At first, all you hear is your own breathing and the slow drip of water running down slippery walls.
But then, a muffled boom and a low rumble: the ceiling crumbles, and everyone dives for safety. When the dust settles, it's just Dibrael, Mylz, Skjorn, and Sarith.
"Is everyone alright?" You call through the blockage, and you get an affirmative from the others.
"Keep going, we'll find a way around!" They say, and you have no choice but to follow this path to the end. It opens into a large cavern, and it's then that you see him. Standing high out of reach, on the tip of a ledge that juts out from the wall, is Aerlian.
"It's about time." He greets you with a sneer. There's blood on his clothes.
"Where is Za'zimlas?" Dibrael demands, knuckles cracking with how tightly he grips his sword. Aerlian barks out a cold laugh.
"You know, I'm surprised Za'zimlas got together with you. You're not his type; you actually like him. But even though you're right here, he still came crawling back to me."
Holding his arms out at his sides, he announces: "Introducing... the hero of Andotélmaer."
The shadows behind him shift, and a figure creeps forward. The first thing you notice is Zaz's stark white hair; a clear sign of his emotional state. You can tell he's been in some sort of struggle, because he's covered in dirt, blood, and torn clothes, but strangely... he moves like he's uninjured. He spreads his wings - which are unusually ruffled and matted - and gently glides down to your level. There's no recognition behind the dead look in his eyes, and a shimmering pink draws your gaze to his hand, where a psychic blade forms. Something is very wrong.
He takes a slow step forward, and then another. One... two... three...
Roll initiative.