Astrid's motionless body was in the center of Lyra's crumbling domain, the oppressive shadows swirling around her. The remnants of celestial energy clinging to Astrid's form were consumed by the abyss, leaving her entirely drained.
Lyra stood over her, a victorious smirk curling her lips. "I gave you a better life with my magic," she muttered, her voice filled with disdain. "It was supposed to corrupt your soul, make you destroy the kingdom for me. And yet, you come to me like this—trying to defeat me? Pathetic."
As if reacting to her contempt, the domain began to tremble. Cracks appeared in the dark void, light piercing through the fractures. Lyra sighed, lifting Astrid's limp body effortlessly over her shoulder. "What a waste of potential." The domain shattered, and in an instant, Lyra appeared before the gathered crowd outside. Eldric, Raiden, Ash, Magnus, and the king froze in shock as she dropped Astrid's body onto the ground like a discarded object.
"She's still alive," Lyra said mockingly. "But don't worry—she won't die. That would be meaningless."
Eldric was the first to react, rushing forward to his daughter. He knelt beside her, hands trembling as he checked her pulse. "Magnus!" he shouted, his voice shaking. "Bring medical attention immediately!"
"Yes, Father!" Magnus responded, quickly lifting Astrid into his arms and running toward the palace. Eldric stayed behind, his eyes wide with panic, muttering prayers under his breath.
Raiden watched it all silently, his fists clenched at his sides. His body trembled as green sparks flickered around him. His teeth ground together, his jaw tight with fury.
Finally, he stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. "What did you do to her?"
Lyra's smirk widened. "I did what was necessary," she replied, her tone dripping with mockery. "You should be thanking me—she's alive. For now, anyway."
Raiden's fury boiled over. His eyes glowed red, and the green lightning intensified, crackling around him violently.
"Raiden, stop!" Eldric shouted, his voice sharp with alarm. "She feeds off of anger!"
But Raiden didn't listen. His body surged with power as he launched himself at Lyra. His fist, crackling with energy, aimed directly for her face. Lyra's expression didn't change as she moved aside with ease, letting his strike miss and instead collide with the ground. The impact sent shockwaves through the area, shattering the earth beneath them.
Lyra flew into the air, hovering with an air of confidence. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted.
Raiden growled, jumping after her, his fist once again aiming for her face. She dodged smoothly and caught his face in her hand. With her cold, beautiful expression just inches from his, she muttered, "Which type of strength does this fool possess?"
Her eyes began to glow ominously. "Good. Let me make you my minion," she said, her voice dripping with dark intent. Her gaze locked onto his, and she whispered, "My eyes look into the hidden depths of the soul."
In that moment, Lyra's consciousness delved into Raiden's soul. What she found shocked her—a vast, endless abyss, dark and alive. The void seemed to watch her, its presence oppressive and suffocating.
Then, within the darkness, something shifted. An enormous, pupil-less eye opened, staring directly at her. Lyra's breath hitched. The abyss felt alive, sentient. And as she gazed for long into it, the abyss also gazes into her with terrifying intensity
Lyra's trance broke suddenly. She gasped, stumbling backward. Her glowing eyes dimmed as blood began to drip from them.
Ash's voice broke the silence. "What's happening?"
Eldric's face was pale, his eyes darting between Raiden and Lyra. "I… I don't know," he whispered.
The ground beneath them trembled violently. The air grew heavy as the tremors spread, shaking the entire kingdom and beyond.
Lyra fell to the ground, her body collapsing as if lifeless. Raiden landed beside her, turning his head to look around. "What happened? Why is everything shaking?"
He turned to Lyra, who lay motionless on the ground. Blood streaked down her face from her eyes, and her once smug expression was now blank. She looked utterly lifeless.
Raiden stared at her, confusion battling within him. Whatever had happened, it wasn't over.
To Be Continued