Then...lightning!
A blinding column of light tore through the roof above them, splitting through stone and steel like paper. The sound was deafening, a roar that swallowed every other noise in the world. The celestial turned his head sharply, his attack faltering for the briefest moment, just before a streak of silver and gold descended from the heavens.
The Empress of Lechia crashed down like divine judgment.
Her robes were torn and scorched, her hair whipped by the wind of her own descent, and on her shoulder hung the limp body of Lucas, his face pale but still breathing faintly. In her other hand, lightning danced like a living serpent, coiling around her arm and bursting forth in a flash of divine wrath.
"Get away from them," her voice rang through the hall...cold, commanding, and sharp.
