"...."
Aestrea stood motionless at the center of the devastated arena, the last traces of black energy slowly fading from his form.
His long, abyssal-black hair began to lighten from the roots outward, the darkness receding like ink dissolving in water until it returned to its pristine, snow-white color.
The wild length shortened slightly, settling back into its usual style.
His blood-red vertical slit eyes flickered, the endless black irises receding as the sclera returned to normal white, leaving only his glowing red irises.
He turned slowly toward Seraphiel, who remained pressed face-down against the cracked white stone, her body trembling with a mixture of fear and fervent worship.
"I'm waiting…".
Seraphiel reacted instantly.
She rose to her knees without a second of hesitation, head bowed low, six wings folded tightly against her back.
Golden light gathered in her palms as she cupped her hands together and offered them forward.
