Just moments earlier, in a dimension far removed from where Aster and the others were, two rival groups faced each other in silent tension.
Two figures waited on one side, ready and poised: a blonde elf with piercing green eyes that suggested deep forests and old secrets, and a black-haired vampire with a sharp look and a silent, intense presence. Faeloria Shadowleaf and Vanessa Ross were obviously tense, adopting defensive positions in anticipation of the impending fight.
A group of four enemies stood against them, though two of them were huddled down at the moment, being healed by Chronalisa, the third member. They would be back on their feet in a few seconds, shifting the balance back in their favor.
"You don't happen to have any tricks up your sleeve left, do you?" Vanessa said to Faeloria in a low, wary whisper as her eyes darted across their opponents.
