Linsley's fingers tightened around the gem in his hand, and he glanced at Fulminis and Zephyrax, hoping that the artifact's presence concealment and invisibility were still intact.
But when he looked back at the figure, he froze. Those crimson eyes were locked on him with an unnatural awareness, as if the gem's effects were entirely futile against this being.
The figure's mouth curved into a faint, unnatural smile, and Linsley felt a wave of dread settle over him.
"Linsley," Zephyrax whispered, his voice tense, "I don't think we're hidden anymore."
Linsley nodded slowly, his mind racing. If their concealment had been pierced, their only option was to attack and hope they could break free from this being's influence long enough to gain a chance for a counterattack.
Steeling his resolve, Linsley reached into his reserves of power, allowing his flux to stir as he prepared for a preemptive strike.
