"Take your positions and protect the princess!"

Rhydian gritted his teeth against the searing pain clawing at his mind and let out a raw, guttural roar.

He and the two other guards summoned the last reserves of their internal energy to form a makeshift triangular defensive formation, shielding Grace, Judith, and the dying Cyprian behind them.

But they all knew that before these four terrifying puppets, their defense was as flimsy as paper. Still, the fight could erupt at any moment.

…

Deep within Elysium Isle, the opulent palace remained untouched by the chaos outside. Wine and meat flowed freely, and the decadent music never stopped playing.

Malthor's figure appeared silently on his enormous white recliner, as if he had never left at all.

Lysander stopped playing his lap harp and asked with a smile, "Malthor, you're back?"

Talmor and Valindra also turned their gazes toward him.

Malthor ignored them. He merely reclined lazily, casually accepting the wine offered by a woman a