The storm was upon them now.
Ten feet away.
Five.
Magdalyna stood at the very edge of the landmass, holding Jaenor against her chest with one arm. With her other hand, she reached out and pulled Ba'narussa closer. The divine beast's seven heads lowered, pressing against Magdalyna's body, offering their essence willingly.
Her body was much bigger now, the darkness swirling around her like a giant creature. She was covered with the dark strands crawling on her body.
"Thank you both," Magdalyna whispered.
"For letting me do this. For trusting me to make it right."
Then she stepped off the landmass, into the storm's path, positioning herself directly between its center and where Jaenor floated.
The Chaos Origin struck her like a physical force. Her body, ancient, powerful, and resilient, began to glow with light that cycled through every possible color and several impossible ones. She screamed, not from pain but from the sheer intensity of power flowing through her.
