Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1563

Even though it was pitch dark underground, Andrew's vision was sharper than most. He could just make out Axel stumbling backward, peeking around the corner with panic all over his face. He muttered something in a native dialect—probably a curse or two.

A second later, Andrew understood exactly what he was running from. Thick clumps of black hair appeared at the far end of the corridor.

Clinging to the ceiling with all four limbs, the Night Hag slowly crept into view, its grotesque face twisted upside down.

Chantelle was most terrified of this ghostly creature. She was even more panicked than when they encountered that Dire Tiger.

Andrew grabbed her hand and pulled her into the shadows, holding perfectly still.

Night Hags had no real sense of time. If nothing drew its attention, it could just stay frozen in place for ten or twenty years, even longer. After all, in this tomb, time seemed to stand still.

However, Andrew began to grow anxious. They could not just sit there, waiting it out forever. He briefly considered somehow revealing Axel's location to the Night Hag and letting them tear each other apart.

Nonetheless, with no clear method, he had no choice but to stay hidden.

Just as frustration started boiling over, a thunderous boom echoed from the direction of the tomb's main chamber, loud enough to shake the walls.

The Night Hag's mouth split open in a silent shriek, whipping around and darting toward the sound.

Axel waited only a moment to make sure it was gone. Then, he bolted down the hallway and vanished.

Andrew grabbed Chantelle and said, "Let's go quickly—something must have happened at the palace!"

Chantelle frowned. "That sound… it felt like an explosion."

Andrew's tone turned serious. "It was an explosion, from high-grade explosives. Looks like Rafael, Stanley, and their crew are still down here causing chaos."

Chantelle sighed. "It's such a shame. This tomb goes so deep underground—it would've been an incredible discovery. But now… it's just going to be senselessly destroyed."

Andrew replied, "Holtrien has more tombs and buried secrets than we can count. Entire forgotten civilizations are hidden beneath centuries of dust. If you really care that much, maybe you'll dig them up someday."

As they exited the corridor, a massive underground plaza unfolded before them.

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