Without wasting another second, I sprinted out of the house and shifted back into my dragon form.
The transformation was swift, my body expanding, scales forming, wings unfurling.
With a powerful leap, I launched into the air, heading towards Silvercrest Mine.
The night was my ally, hiding my approach. As I soared through the night sky, the dark silhouette of Silvercrest Mine came into view.
Liliana had chosen another underground location, likely to give her coven the upper hand.
I landed silently a few feet away from the entrance, shifting back to my human form as my feet touched the ground.
I moved cautiously toward the mine entrance and spotted two figures standing guard: a man and a woman.
The warlock and witch were alert, their eyes scanning the darkness. I took a deep breath, preparing for the fight ahead.
The moment they noticed me, the warlock raised his hand, summoning a crackling bolt of energy.
I ducked, narrowly avoiding the spell as it scorched the ground behind me.
The witch chanted rapidly, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air.
I felt a sudden weight on my limbs, a spell designed to slow me down.
Pushing through the magical resistance, I surged forward, my dragon-enhanced strength propelling me with incredible speed.
The warlock's eyes widened in surprise, and he fired a second spell. This time, I wasn't fast enough.
A searing pain shot through my shoulder as the energy bolt struck me, but I kept moving, determined to take them down.
The witch pulled out a gun, aiming it at me. Before she could fire, I launched myself at her, knocking the weapon from her hands.
We tumbled to the ground, and I quickly overpowered her, delivering a swift blow to her skull that instantly killed her.
The warlock shouted in anger, his hands glowing with magical energy.
I grabbed the gun from the ground and fired, the shot echoing through the night.
The bullet struck him in the leg, and he crumpled with a cry of pain.
Seizing the opportunity, I closed the distance and finished him off by slicing his throat with my partially shifted claws.
Breathing heavily, I stripped the warlock of his clothes and put them on.
They were a bit tight, but they would serve my purpose. I also took the gun, tucking it into my waistband.
I wondered if the two guards had somehow communicated to Liliana that I was here, but there was no time for second-guessing or pre-planning.
I had to move fast.
Steeling myself, I approached the entrance of the mine. The dark tunnel loomed before me, its mouth swallowing the light.
I stepped inside, the air immediately growing colder and damp. The scent of earth and rock filled my nostrils as I descended further into the mine.
Every step echoed, the sound bouncing off the narrow walls. I kept my senses sharp, listening for any signs of movement.
The darkness pressed in on all sides, but I refused to let fear slow me down.
Michael was in here somewhere, and I was going to find him.