Lyle nodded slowly, his mind still reeling from the encounter with Vespuris. The thought of facing such a powerful being again filled him with a mixture of dread and determination. He knew that he couldn't afford to let fear control him, not if he hoped to survive the trials that lay ahead.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lyle said, his voice steadier than he felt. "I understand the gravity of the situation now. I won't underestimate Vespuris again."
The Empress offered him a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting a depth of wisdom that belied her ageless appearance.
"Do not forget, as long as you know of what he wants and are capable of not showing hostility or great fear, Vespuris will be unable to do anything to you, it cannot do anything to you without you first doing something to it."
