She turned back toward Arthur.
"That's why I told you we're leaving in two days," Astarte said.
Arthur nodded slowly.
"So I guess you don't care what happens to the Elven Kingdom, right?" Arthur asked.
Astarte didn't hesitate.
"Precisely," Astarte said. "Why should I care?"
She flicked a strand of purple hair back.
"The contract is over," Astarte said. "It's time for me to leave."
Her tone darkened.
"I'll find that bastard who injured me last time," Astarte said. "And I'll torture him until he begs me to kill him."
She looked back at the World Tree.
"But I need more power for that," Astarte added. "And I cannot obtain it here. That much I know."
Arthur listened, his mind turning quickly.
Every puzzle piece fell into place.
Zephr.
The corrupted tree.
The missing royal couple.
The holy knights.
The undead.
"Why did he want Erica to become queen?" Arthur asked softly. "If the true power of the World Tree is gone..."
He fell silent.
A figure flashed through his mind.
