The moment the voice echoed across the training hall—
Victoria's expression darkened instantly.
The violent fury burning within her crimson eyes did not disappear… but it changed. Her mood soured visibly, annoyance replacing rage, as if an insect she particularly disliked had suddenly appeared.
Without another moment of effort, she released Kaelith's face.
Kaelith staggered forward and collapsed onto one knee, drawing in desperate breaths as the dark blue energy that had been devouring her existence dispersed into fading particles of light. Burn marks lingered across her skin, and even her soul trembled from the aftermath.
The entire hall remained warped from Victoria's killing intent.
Then—
Space folded inward.
At the exact center of the training hall, reality distorted like liquid glass. Demonic energy gathered—dense, ancient, authoritative. A presence descended, not violently, but absolutely.
A tall figure slowly materialized from swirling darkness.
A man.
