When Corax gripped the hilt of the long blade at his waist, his fingers had barely touched the cold metal. The blade had yet to leave its sheath, and the friction between blade and scabbard had produced only the faintest, almost imperceptible sound, when the enormous black horse stopped dead.
Its movements froze in an instant, as though some invisible force had fixed it in place.
Its forehooves hung in the air for a moment, then slowly lowered, landing on the ground with a soft tap.
Its eyes, burning with dark red light, stared intently at the hilt of the long blade at Corax's waist. Its pupils contracted slightly, and two heavy streams of white vapor burst from its nostrils.
It stood there motionless, like a statue carved from darkness.
Then the enormous horse let out a cry that sounded almost excited.
Unlike its earlier low, threatening roar, this was a higher-pitched neigh, filled with an indescribable excitement and joy.
The sound echoed through the darkness at the bottom of the pit, pierced the vast chasm hundreds of meters deep and the gray-brown cloud layer above, as though it would carry all the way to the edge of the heavens.
The enormous horse abruptly raised its forehooves and reared up, pawing the air several times before landing and bounding toward Corax.
Its strides were light yet powerful. Its hooves struck the rubble-strewn ground with crisp, rhythmic beats, while its mane and tail streamed behind it like black flames.
Upon reaching Corax, the enormous horse stopped, lowered its head, and brought its massive head close to him, resting it affectionately against his shoulder.
Its nostrils flared as it sniffed Corax's scent, then it gave a satisfied snort that sounded almost like a sigh.
It leaned slightly, pressing its weight against Corax