Then, without a sound, the Ice Belle...who had been perched quietly on Nyx's shoulder, her tiny wings folded against her shimmering white body...stirred. Her large crystalline eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the dark haze that lingered around them. Nyx turned to look at her in surprise as the creature lifted its small head, sensing something dreadful that the others could only feel in their hearts.
The Ice Belle spread her delicate wings, their translucent surface shimmering faintly with traces of silver and pale blue light. For a moment, she hovered above Nyx's shoulder, her gaze fixed on the ground below. Then, in one graceful motion, she descended gently, landing upon the ashen soil in front of them.
