The heartbeat continued.
It echoed throughout the valley with a slow, dreadful rhythm, each pulse causing the crimson barrier surrounding Raven's Crossing to brighten before sending another wave of pressure across the land. The very air seemed to tremble beneath it, while the ground cracked further beneath the feet of the mercenaries and Cultists alike. Even the river that had been frozen into unnatural stillness began to ripple again, its surface reflecting the crimson light that now dominated the entire valley.
Luca stood motionless for a single heartbeat.
His eyes remained fixed upon the enormous pillar of crimson light surrounding the Saintess.
He could no longer see her clearly.
Only the faint silhouette of her body remained visible behind the translucent barrier, her long hair floating weightlessly around her as though she were submerged within an endless ocean.
"Your Holiness!"
Luca stepped forward.
