"So," he said.
"Priorities have shifted, have they?"
"The boy can be dealt with later," Wendelina said coldly.
"Right now, I'm more interested in making sure whatever's in that temple doesn't fall into the hands of demons and cultists."
Pride watched this with what might have been admiration.
"Interesting," he mused.
"You're willing to fight me for a treasure you don't even understand. That's either courage or foolishness. I haven't decided which yet."
"Call it what you want," Wendelina said.
Her power flared, silver light intensifying around her hands.
"But that temple and whatever's inside it are under Coven protection now. Die quickly or die in extreme pain. Your choice."
For a long moment, Pride didn't move. The assembled Blaedred forces tensed, awaiting his command. The witches prepared to unleash devastation.
The air itself seemed to hold its breath.
Then Pride laughed.
It was a genuine laugh, full of dark amusement.
