The light born from within Aurelia changed drastically.
It was no longer just a golden gleam as before.
The flash now contained something far purer, deeper even felt like the first breath of a power that had long slumbered.
The air around trembled.
The red pressure that had pressed down on the entire area began to crack, as if unable to withstand the presence of this new light.
The creature before her narrowed its eyes.
Its gaze, once full of control, now held a different kind of interest.
"So this… is your true form."
Its voice was lower, heavier.
Aurelia did not answer.
She stepped forward without hesitation.
Each footstep left a thin trail of light on the cracked ground.
The Blood Pact bond resonated, but was no longer the center.
This power came from a deeper layer.
Ragnar felt the change.
His laughter burst forth—loud and full of fervor.
"Now we're talking!"
He slammed his fist into the ground, surging forward without holding back his strength.
