Frank's stomp comes down fast.
Chantal lies there, completely helpless. There's no energy left in her body.
If that hit lands, she won't survive.
But then…
–BOOM!
A beam of light flashes. Its color flickers between dark purple and blood red.
It hits the ogre straight in the chest, right before he can crush Chantal.
The blast throws him to the ground.
Chantal slowly turns her eyes toward where the beam came from.
A weak smile forms on her lips.
Rika stands beside Hakuto. Her body releases a storm of glowing particles that swirl around her. The black membranes of her wings have turned blood-red.
She stands proud and powerful, her arm outstretched toward the ogre's last position. Blood drips from a wound on her palm.
But what shocks Chantal most isn't the power. It's Rika's eyes.
They flash, shifting between purple and red. Her gaze is cold. Too cold. Serious.
So intense that even Chantal feels a chill of fear and awe.
