Howls erupted across the wasteland.

Werewolves, vampires, and grotesque sirens surged forward under Kaelan's command. Their roars filled the air as they charged at Andrew and Nyx. No one had expected things to turn hostile so quickly after the sanctuary entrance closed.

Everyone not involved in the fight immediately backed away to a safe distance. Among the retreating crowd were a few of Andrew's old acquaintances.

Waylon's disciple, Ezekiel, was one of them. Andrew had crippled this man back in Holtrien, yet here he was, moving with surprising agility as he quickly put distance between himself and the chaos.

"Mr. Sloan told me to wait for him in the Outlands and not make any rash moves," Ezekiel muttered to himself.

He glanced back at Andrew, now surrounded by dark warriors, and a cold smile crept across his gaunt face. He hissed, "Andrew, I'll let you live for now."

Unlike the dashing man he once was, Ezekiel had become a completely different person, now cold and ruthless.

B