The reddish-pink neon light flickered across the room like a heartbeat, throwing long shadows over the cracked concrete and the dented steel cage that stood between us. My black aura twisted and spun in the air, thick ribbons of dark energy curling around my shoulders. With a soft *whoosh*, it settled into the shape of a long, high-collared coat (black with purple seams) that draped over my body and snapped into place like it had always belonged there. A deep hood framed my face, casting my eyes in shadow.
Lyra's breath hitched. "Zero…" she whispered, the name sounding like a prayer.
I folded my arms and let out a low, rolling laugh. "Hehehe… finally. Time for me to rise from the shadows." My voice carried across the room, steady and sharp.
