As Sophia's words flowed forth, her magical presence enveloped Adeline like an unyielding tide. Adeline's resistance wavered as memories of their shared experiences with Ragnar and Uzana flooded her mind.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, torn between her devotion to her friend and the reality of the sacrifice Sophia was making.
The memory of their first meeting at the war-torn border of Clearport came rushing back. Ragnar had leapt down from the back of Ymat, his majestic black dragoness, and stood proudly before Sophia.
The image of his confident stance and piercing gaze was etched in her mind. And then, the memory of Sophia's boldness in retorting to Ragnar's sexist remark resurfaced.
