The cavern erupted into chaos before Amaya even had time to breathe.
The Beastlord—Leo's father—staggered forward, one knee slamming onto the stone. Water splashed around him, mingling with the blood pouring from the deep slash across his chest.
"Father—!" Leo lurched forward—
But the Beastlord slammed his fist into the ground hard, sending a shockwave across the cavern floor.
"Stay back," he snarled, forcing himself upright even as his body trembled. "You're not ready to face her."
Behind him, the Priestess stepped through the misted tunnel.
Every drop of water around her rose into the air.
Suspended.
Frozen.
As if the world itself dared not touch her without permission.
Her crimson robes shimmered with runic embroidery that pulsed like veins—alive and hungry. Her silver hair hung damp around her face, framing those blood-red eyes that locked instantly onto Amaya.
A smile spread slowly across her lips.
"There you are," she purred. "My runaway vessel."
