Qalena's celestial gaze flickered to him, her smile widening ever so slightly. "You have grown stronger, and you continue to amuse me, my child."
"Glad to be of service…" Jolthar murmured, still dazed.
The goddess's presence filled the room completely now, her divine energy washing over everything like an ocean tide.
Qalena's gaze shifted sharply to Eloda. Her voice, calm but laced with authority, echoed in the chamber. "So, you want me to help you? And you led my child here into this valley on purpose."
Jolthar's brows furrowed deeply inwards. "What!? Wait, what do you mean by that?"
"Don't worry, child," Qalena calmed him down.
Eloda's eyes darted nervously, her hands trembling as she tried to bow her head lower, as though that might shield her from the goddess's piercing scrutiny. "I... I didn't know it was you, Goddess Qalena," she stammered, her voice breaking. "I was only trying to survive. I've been betrayed and left in this state by Hesuas."
