A momentary calm settled over the scene, almost unreal. The creature that had been struck by Daniel gradually returned to her true form. Slowly, like mist dispersing, her demonic features softened, revealing before them… something astonishing. A young woman of supernatural, almost otherworldly beauty stood there. Her eyes shone with an intense, playful gleam, and her long hair flowed with a hypnotic grace.
Daniel, barely recovering from his audacious technique, felt a mix of surprise and admiration. Even Elise and Mina exchanged puzzled glances, both holding back comments, aware that the danger was far from over. The demoness stepped forward with an enigmatic smile, and the air around her seemed to hum with an invisible tension.
Time seemed suspended. Daniel adjusted his stance, ready to react, while the energy surrounding the demoness became almost palpable, a silent but threatening force. Mina, standing behind him, clenched her fists, prepared to intervene, yet aware that Daniel had to handle this confrontation. Elise, focused, analyzed every detail, every subtle movement of the demoness's new form.
Then, with confident, fluid steps, the demoness approached Daniel. He, determined yet intrigued, advanced as well. The two forces seemed to magnetically draw toward each other. Seconds stretched, each breath counted, each movement anticipated by the vigilant eyes of their allies.
Suspense thickened like a heavy veil. No one knew who would strike first or which strategy would be employed. Invisible spectators—Lysandra's spirit within Daniel, and Mina and Elise's calculating thoughts—held their collective breath.
And as their silhouettes drew closer, the chapter ended on a single suspended question:
What would happen next?