The System offered no comment, its silence a testament to its utter exasperation. The Celestial Behemoth, now fully awake and incandescent with rage, let out another roar. Its massive head, now missing its central gem, turned towards the small, crying child who had violated its ancient slumber.
It was at that moment that Rhys arrived. He moved like a thunderclap, a blur of motion that shot past the front lines of his own army.
He didn't slow, swooping down and scooping the crying Sera from the ground, pulling her into a protective embrace.
He knew she was acting. He could feel the triumphant glee radiating from her through their soul bond, a mischievous satisfaction at having successfully poked the giant, stellar puppy.
But seeing her feigned tears and hearing her fake cries for help ignited a primal rage within him that overshadowed all logic.
This was his daughter, and something had dared to make her cry. The fact that the tears were a fabrication was irrelevant.
[…]
