With a grunt, he hoisted himself up, sweeping the yellow sand from his face. An amiable smile graced his lips as he met the gaze of the striking yet distant figure looming over him.
Rippling torrents of flames surged toward Lydia from multiple angles, prompting her sharp brows to furrow.
Reacting swiftly, she erected an earth wall, bracing herself as the fiery assault clashed against her defensive barrier.
From the dissipating flames emerged a white-haired girl, her piercing glare fixed firmly on Lydia. Nebula's tails swirled behind her as Lydia glanced behind, finding only the guards and her Hand, their expressions tinged with apology.
Lydia scrutinized Nebula, momentarily struck by her striking beauty. In a blur of motion, Nebula dashed to Cristian's side, brushing off the dirt from his clothes.
