The first subtle change was the sudden silence.
Not the calm-before-the-storm kind that would hit before the eruption came in full force, but the kind of silence that was perfectly still... like an end, like death.
Neveah didn't notice it right away. They had only just left the Infernal castle, Xenon's wings stretched wide across the darkening sky as he flew for the volcano.
It had become a routine to observe each eruption from a safe distance. Though the silent agreement still held that Neveah would not interfere with magic...there was also an underlying silent agreement that if necessary, what had to be done would be done.
This time, however, was different. From the moment they touched sky level, Neveah sensed it.
The distant glow of the volcano, a steady, ever-burning beacon usually pulsed with a rhythmic beat of lava, smoke, ash and breath.
But at this time, it seemed like it held its breath. It was too quiet... like it had not caused the tremor from a moment ago.
