Nyx Shadowfall's eyelid fluttered slowly, her breath escaping as a soft, weary groan. A faint tendril of purplish smoke slipped from her lips as her lone visible eye cracked open, glowing dimly. Then, with a subtle flicker, the hollow socket beside it flared to life—burning with a familiar purplish fire. The very moment she regained awareness, her blurry vision cleared just enough to see... Starla's face hovered over hers.
"Welcome back, My Lady,"
Starla whispered gently, her tone calm but edged with concern.
Nyx realised she was lying in Starla's lap, her head supported carefully. As she attempted to sit up, a pained groan escaped her again. Her limbs felt sluggish, heavy, as though something vital had been drained from her very core. Her breathing grew steadier, and that was when the memory came flooding back—what she had been trying to do before her consciousness slipped.
"Aether!"
She burst out, her voice sharp with fury.
