"So… the bride has finally arrived."
The voice echoed endlessly through the abyss.
Not loud.
Not angry.
Worse.
Amused.
The moment those words settled into the darkness, the entire realm reacted violently.
The gigantic chains hanging across the crimson sky began rattling all at once, producing a deafening metallic roar that shook the very foundation of the world around Aliena.
The ground beneath her feet cracked instantly.
Crimson light burst from the fractures.
The air became heavier.
Hotter.
Alive.
Aliena stumbled backward, her breathing uneven as fear crawled violently up her spine.
Because suddenly—
everything inside that realm felt aware of her.
Not just the silhouette.
Not just the memories.
The darkness itself.
Watching.
Waiting.
Hungry.
The silhouette standing beside the throne slowly tilted its head toward her.
Still faceless.
Still swallowed entirely by shadows.
But now—
she could feel its eyes on her.
And that feeling alone was unbearable.
