Somewhere on the dark an ominous drip echoed through the darkness. Ramon took out a flashlight and shined the beam on the wet walls. Stalactites hung from the low ceiling, some almost forming pillars of rock.

Megan leaned heavily on Ramon as they proceeded down the dank tunnel. Her head was spinning and the stench triggered her gag reflex. She fought the urge, but finally had to drop to her knees and vomit behind one of the stalagmites that reached up to meet their counterparts on the ceiling.

Ramon moved the light on her and saw that the puke was made up of black sizzling sludge with streaks of red mixed throughout - blood. Helping her to her feet, he dragged her through the tunnel.

Finally, the miserable tunnel ended, exiting into a large round room that smelled of death. Movement on the far shadows caught there eye. Swinging the flashlight, Ramon spotlighted Thranus, hunched in the corner, clutching his torso.

He winced as he sat upright. "What are YOU doing here?" His breaths were thin. "Haven't you caused enough damage?"

Ramon sighed and took a deep breath, straightening to his full height. "We need your help."

Thranus sniffed the air, his mouth twisting into a sickening grin. "It appears you do." He pulled himself up farther. "It seems someone meddled in things she didn't understand."

Megan didn't have the strength to respond. She just glared up at the pitiful demon.

He snickered at her pathetic state. "And why do you think I'll help this wretch? She's the one who stole my power."

"I didn't steal anything." Megan's voice was thin and wavered as she spoke.

Thranus scowled at her. "Of course you did. I can feel it in you. One cannot simply destroy a power as great as mine."

Ramon stepped in front of Megan protectively. "What are you saying?"

Thranus shook his head in disgust. "I'm saying that your dear friend here has all my power inside of her. And from the looks of things, it's killing her." He chuckled. "Mortals were not meant to hold such power, at least, not as they are."

Ramon scrunched up his brow. "You mean there's a way to help her."

Thranus rolled his eyes. "There is one way, but I'm not sure you'll like it."

Megan stumbled forward, barely standing on her own. "Do it."

"Megan." Ramon grabbed her arm.

"No, Ramon." She placed her hand over his. "I have to do this. There's no other way."

She stepped forward. "What do you have to do?"

Thranus smirked. "There is only one thing I know of that will help you. I'll have to make you a Shadow Charmer."