Chapter 203 - The citadel’s heart
Scarlett’s gaze remained fixed on the elevated platform across the chamber, where Rosa sat upon a hideous throne. Before the non-regal seat, perched on a short pedestal, was the heart of the Abyssal Vilewyrm, pulsating with a sinister energy.
Even at this distance, Anguish’s vicious grin was unmistakable, the Vile clearly enjoying the situation. Rosa’s eyes bore a profound darkness within them, seeming to peer into one’s very being.
Among the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions within Scarlett, a chilling rage surged to the forefront.
That was just the expression she had expected from the demon upon their reunion. There had been some flicker of hope that Rosa would be the one in control once they arrived, but Scarlett knew there had been no guarantee.
“Oh, spare me the glare, Red~” the Vile taunted, her voice somehow resonating across the chamber like a haunting melody. The words and cadence mimicked those that Rosa often used, yet Anguish managed to twist and turn them in a way that made Scarlett’s hair stand. “Our earlier heart-to-heart notwithstanding, this is the first time we meet face-to-face for some time. What do you think about my soon-to-be vessel? Rather fetching, isn’t it? And it comes with such an endearing little persona. I know you certainly didn’t keep her around for nothing.”
Anguish seemed anchored to the throne she was on, but that didn’t stop her from moving her shoulders and head as if showing off Rosa, the bard’s wavy brown hair falling to partially cover her face.
A sardonic giggle escaped Anguish, this time feeling as if it truly could have come from Rosa, as the demon nonchalantly blew away the stray locks. “It’s always a delight to assume corporeal form like this. I’ll have to remember to express my gratitude to Rosa dear for lending it to me.”
“Is…is that it?” Allyssa whispered beside Scarlett. “The Vile?” She wore a disconcerted expression as she stared at Rosa.
“It is,” Scarlett replied, stepping deeper into the expansive boss room while striving to maintain her calm and surveying the surroundings. The oppressive aura here was tenfold more suffocating than outside, and the dark walls and seemingly non-existent ceiling cast an ominous ambiance over the space.
At the chamber’s epicenter, drawn onto the floor that had veins of molten rock crisscrossing through it, lay a sigil that occupied at least half of the room. Within it stood a woman with disorderly silvery hair, draped in dark robes, her uncannily green eyes fixated on Scarlett and exuding an intensity that would make most anyone feel uneasy.
Malachi.
Scarlett’s gaze dropped to the floor beside the woman, where various objects were scattered around key points on the sigil. Most conspicuous among them was a black orb, its core pulsating with swirling colors, intermittently channeling energy into the ground and the crimson veins threading throughout the room.