Persephone stood before the three cocoon pillars of pulsing black light, beating softly like the heart of death itself. Purple, blue, and black strands intertwined around them like threads of fate. Her gentle aura, starkly contrasting her lethal power, still wrapped the entire space.
After confirming the steady rhythm of their energies, Persephone closed her eyes.
"…Enough."
She placed one hand on Sylvia's cocoon, one on Alicia's, and raised another slightly toward Stacia's. Then she smiled faintly a mother's smile, pleased to see her children growing well.
Then she turned.
Toward Belial. Then Lumielle.
Both were frozen like statues, not daring to move or even breathe too loudly. Even after Persephone lowered her aura, its remnants clung to their skin like a giant shadow.
"Belial."
Belial's body stiffened instantly.
"Guard them."
Persephone's voice was gentle, but its weight felt like a decree from the highest throne of existence.
Belial unconsciously bowed even deeper.
