章 375: I'll be just right here

The atmosphere around them shifted dramatically. A storm brewed overhead, the wind turning fierce, carrying with it dark, ominous clouds. They all sensed it—the gate was on the brink of opening.

Alicia and Zeke wrapped their arms around their son in a protective, final embrace. "Please take care in there, Mom, Dad," Azy pleaded, returning their hug with equal intensity. His small hands clutched at the fabric of their clothes, gripping tightly.

"Mn. And you, take good care of yourself, too, okay?" Alicia's voice trembled with emotion.

"I promise," Azy vowed, gazing up at them with a brave smile.

Suddenly, a forceful burst of energy rippled through the forest, signaling the opening of the gate. A colossal vortex of inky blackness emerged, its presence magnified by the raging storm above, which crackled with lightning and echoed with thunder.