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'What the fuck am I sensing right now?' said Chergoa privately.

The reaper didn't often curse around her, which told Emiliana that Chergoa really was shaken up, right now--and that knowledge didn't do much to ease her own anxious heart.

Continuing to follow Gohvis, it soon became clear that they were heading toward the far end of the chamber, which was largely concealed in shadow. But as they drew closer, Emiliana gradually began to make out a form therein.

And not a humanoid one, either.

The shape just sat there in the darkness, lumpy and pulsing and as big as a rhinoceros. Emiliana had to strain a bit, but she could hear the sound of faintly labored breathing as well. The ground seemed to be damp around it, too.

"Weaver," said Gohvis in a stern tone when they were finally close enough.

'Greetings, Master,' came an unfamiliar voice in Emiliana's head. 'And to you as well, Elroy.'

"Why have you been intruding in her dreams?" the Monster said.

'I wished to speak with her. It seems I only succeeded in frightening her, however. I must apologize.'

Wide-eyed and still mildly horrified, Emiliana couldn't help herself and asked what was probably quite a rude question. "What are you?"

'Ah, yes. A relic, perhaps. One that has lasted long past her usefulness.'

Chergoa decided to chime in now. 'You were human once?'

'You say that as if I no longer am,' said the Weaver.

'No offense, but I'm not sure you are,' said Chergoa. 'I've never met a human, servant or otherwise, who could speak to other humans telepathically like you're doing now.'

'Ah. So you do not consider yourself human anymore, either, then?'

'Not really, no. That's why I meant it when I said no offense.'

'Ah. I see.'