He glanced back to see her drawing both of her twin swords, the blades catching what little light filtered through the canopy. Something had changed in her since their time in the dungeon, a confidence that went beyond mere physical enhancement. She had found something within herself that she was no longer willing to suppress.
Aeloria prepared her magic with obvious reluctance, clearly wishing they had avoided this confrontation entirely. But when lives hung in the balance, her healer's instincts overrode her personal grievances. Even Kira, though she retreated to the deepest shadows, watched Yomi with complete trust, certain that whatever happened next, he would protect them all.
The lead cultist's head snapped up as if sensing their presence, his eyes glowing with unnatural light beneath his hood. "More offerings for the Progenitor's glory!" he called out, his voice carrying disturbing enthusiasm. "The dark energies grow stronger with each soul we claim!"
