The battlefield trembled, still echoing with the sound of Riku's last clash.
Dust swirled in the air like ash after a wildfire. Riku panted slightly, standing amidst the cracked earth, his glowing silver aura rippling and pulsing in waves.
He turned, sensing a shift—a change in pressure so sharp it sliced through the noise.
And then—
Flash.
In an instant, the Queen appeared behind Toru and Yumi—no warning, no sound. Just presence.
Her claws extended, barely an inch from their throats.
Yumi's eyes widened. Toru gritted his teeth and twisted, both of them striking at her in synchronized fury.
Essence burst from Yumi's earrings like a flash of moonlight. Toru's Titanblood Essence surged through his arms like a crimson storm.
Their blows came fast.
But the Queen caught them both.
With one hand.
With just a flick of effort, she blocked Yumi's dagger and caught Toru's punch with her palm. Their power trembled against her grip—but she didn't flinch.
Then, with terrifying calm, she raised her other claw again—this time poised perfectly at both their throats.
A twisted smile curled across her face.
"Surrender…" she whispered sweetly. "Or they both die."
Riku's heart spiked.
His head snapped toward them, eyes locking on the Queen's position.
"Yumi—Toru—!"
That split-second of distraction was all it took.
Boom.
The King's massive fist smashed into Riku's side, sending him hurtling through the air like a comet crashing to earth.
He slammed into the ground, tumbling through rubble, his aura dimming briefly from the impact.
Dust rose.
Silence fell.
The Queen's claws remained at Yumi and Toru's necks. Her voice was soft, but venomous.
"Your move, silver flame."
Riku slowly pushed himself up, blood dripping from his lip.
He clenched his jaw.
He'd seen this trick before.
But the next move… would be his.