Chapter 342: A Celestial?
The Archon leaned back in its throne, a twisted smile spreading across its face like a crack in the earth. "You’ve brought the Heart of the Abyss," it said, its voice dripping with disdain. "How... quaint."
Kyle, the group’s leader, stepped forward, his eyes locked on the Archon with a fierce intensity. "We’re here to stop you," he growled, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The Archon’s gaze flicked to Elara, her mother, and Lila, its eyes lingering on them with interest. "Ah, the Oracle’s daughter, and the little refugee," it said, its voice like a cold wind. "You’ve been a thorn in my side for far too long, Lila."
Lila’s eyes flashed with anger, but she stood tall, her hands clenched into fists. "Not anymore," she said, her voice steady.
Lyra, Elara’s mother, moved to stand beside Lila, a protective arm around her daughter’s shoulders. "We’re not afraid of you," she said, her voice firm.
The Archon’s attention snapped to Lyra, its eyes gleaming with interest. "Ah, the Oracle. I’ve been waiting for you, too," it said, its voice dripping with anticipation.
Suddenly, the room erupted into chaos as the Archon raised its hand, summoning a wave of dark energy that sent the group stumbling back.
"Get down!" Lucias yelled, grabbing Elara and pulling her to the ground as a chunk of ceiling crashed down where she had been standing.
Layla leapt into action, her sword flashing as she deflected a swarm of dark creatures that seemed to materialize out of the air itself. "We’ve got company!" she shouted.
Yua, Kyle’s wife, appeared at his side, her eyes flashing with determination. "I’m not letting you do this alone," she said, her voice firm.