"I will make you my successor."
*Crack!*
The solid stone ground splintered directly beneath Nero's feet.
His knees almost buckled instantly under the invisible weight pressing down on him.
It felt like gravity had suddenly decided to focus all its attention on him alone.
The lower muscles in his body were screaming in protest, trembling violently as they fought to keep him upright, but still…
"..."
His body did not relent.
He refused to fold.
His thoughts raced while his body tried remembering how breathing worked under what felt like a small two-story building sitting on his shoulder.
Every breath was a labor, a conscious effort to expand lungs that wanted to collapse.
Then, just as suddenly as it started, the crushing pressure vanished.
*Whoosh…*
Velraeth lifted her hand and stepped back with that sharp-toothed grin still plastered across her face.
She looked entirely too casual.
