After being able to slip into the shadowed covered city, Zale spotted Atsuji and Amore desperately fighting their way against this flood of shadows while evacuating every citizen.
"Atsuji! Amore!" Zale shouted in relief.
The two quickly glanced at Zale before Amore came dashing towards her. Tackling Zale a bit into a tight hug. Zale hugged back as Atsuji approached them.
"You've returned." Atsuji replied.
"Don't worry. Aelin and I will stop this once and for all." Zale continued.
"Once and for all? You're saying—" Amore stuttered before getting interrupted.
"This may be the main cause of why the shadows have ambushed." Atsuji finished.
Zale nodded. Though glancing back at Aelin, her smile seemed to fade as she was looking forward. Zale slowly turned her head to Aelin's direction, just to notice a massive purple colored dome in the middle of the City of Reverie. It was so gigantic on purpose as if Fae wanted to let the world know she existed. But from Zale's eyes, the overwhelming aura from the dome became sickening.
Xiu-Lan approached the group, though geared up a bit more than her usual duty, Xiu-Lan had already assigned for ROSS to surround the dome.
"Oi. Xiu-Lan." Aelin called out.
"You've made it. You doing alright?"
"Better than before…"
"Alright… glad to have you back, Aelin. Let's get back to work and—"
"No. Clear ROSS and allow Zale and I to handle it."
"But the dome—"
"Protect the citizens first. I promise, Zale and I will handle the rest. Just trust us."
Xiu-Lan wanted to decline knowing it was her responsibility to act on duty and from the mumbled stutter, but she knew that Aelin was one of the very most trustworthy people she met. Sighing, Xiu-Lan nodded, gently placing a finger on her earpiece to communicate with ROSS.
"Chief of ROSS, Xiu-Lan speaking. Retreat away from the dome and lead all citizens to the emergency evacuation." she spoke.
Aelin nodded in approval, glancing at Zale with a look that it was time to go. Knowing she had to leave, she gave one last hug to Amore before pulling back.
"Come back alive…" Amore mumbled, her smile turning into a frown.
Zale nodded, "I'll come back alive."
Atsuji sighed, patting Amore on the shoulder for comfort before Xiu-Lan and the two turned away to change their focus on protecting and getting all citizens to safety first. Though Zale approached Aelin, who was pulling her glove to prepare for their battle, Aelin's lips shifted into a smile.
"Prepare for battle." Aelin said.
"Ready whenever you are." Zale smirked.
"Let's head out then!" she responded, dashing forwards to the dome along with Zale.