Chapter 43 — Betrayal and Blood
The aftermath of the Burning River still clung to them like a second skin.
Smoke and the stench of charred flesh hung heavy in the volcanic air as Cairis's forces regrouped on the blackened cliffs. Wounded demons growled in pain while healers worked frantically. Liora stood beside Cairis, violet shadows flickering restlessly around her fingers. The soul bond burned with shared fury — Nyxara's betrayal wasn't just a tactical loss. It felt personal. A knife twisted in their fragile alliance.
"We should have seen it coming," Liora said bitterly, wiping dried blood from her cheek. "She always looked at me like I was something she wanted to devour."
