The eerie silence following the destruction of the archway was short-lived. The faint whispers that had been swirling around the courtyard grew louder, coalescing into a haunting chorus that seemed to echo from everywhere and nowhere at once. The air grew colder, and an oppressive weight pressed down on Ryuto and his companions, making it hard to breathe.
Celeste's hands trembled as she clutched her staff. "She's coming. We've angered her."
Ruda growled low in her throat, her claws flexing. "Good. Let her come. I'm ready for a fight."
Nina and Edwin, who had managed to lose their pursuers and rejoin the group, arrived just in time to hear the ominous words. Edwin's gaze snapped to the pile of rubble that had once been the archway.
"You destroyed it?" he asked, his voice sharp.
Ryuto nodded. "We severed the connection, but it's not over. She knows."
