Chapter 676: Diverging Fate
At that revelation, the two priestesses froze up. Their eyes bulged, and their swords shook violently. One fell back against the bed, her knees giving out as it knocked against the mattress.
"Where is the artifact?" I asked, making my voice as authoritative as I could.
"I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!" the one who hadn’t fallen cried.
Her eyes darted to the small dresser beside the bed, then back at me. I sighed and waved my hand, soul casting a spell.
"Binding Winds."
Powerful wind currents wound around the girls, binding their arms to their sides. Their blades clattered the ground as I motioned up, lifting them into the air.
Fable lowered himself, allowing me to slip from his back. The dresser was enchanted by a fifth-level enchantment. I shook my head, muttering to myself. I probably should have assumed it was in there, even without the hints.
"Dispel Magic."
The wards resisted for a second before shattering in a shower of sparks. The girls squeaked, and I felt one of their souls flare. Fable shifted behind me, the noise followed by a sickening crunch and another scream. The scream abruptly cut off.
I bit my lip, dropping to my knees in front of the dress. "Did you have to?" I mumbled as I opened the drawer.
A wave of power emanated as it slid open, guiding my hand to a small hollow sphere of translucent glass about the size of a clenched fist. A soft, golden light drifted within the globe like a buoy on the waves. It warmed as I gingerly picked it up, resonating with my mana.