The light of the ritual didn't vanish all at once.
It slowly faded, revealing what it had been hiding.
Max narrowed his eyes, still blinded by the magical glow. He blinked several times, trying to focus… until finally, the silhouette at the center of the circle began to take shape.
It was a woman. Human.
Blonde hair falling over her shoulders. She looked to be around thirty years old. Her body was clearly well-trained. She wore tight black leggings, white running shoes, and a purple jacket with the logo of the brand "Mike."
"…Mike?" Max muttered, confused.
A few steps away, the king reacted immediately.
He straightened up.
Back straight. Hands behind his back… awkwardly hiding the wine bottle. His expression shifted into forced seriousness—almost ridiculous.
Max had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
Dorian, on the other hand, observed with satisfaction.
"The ritual has been completed."
The woman turned in place, looking at everything around her.
