The metal framework of the harbor cranes groaned under the pressure of unnatural winds.
At the southern end of the port, Adele stood still, her long hair whipping against her face, eyes locked on the ongoing clash in the distance.
The very air around her shimmered with subtle distortions, like heat over a furnace. Her arms were crossed, but her eyes, predatory and focused, were full of calculation—and something else. Hunger.
"The Princess is quite strong."
Her voice was calm, dangerously calm. The corners of her lips curled slightly, not in respect but in anticipation."Even more reason I want to test her for myself…"
Beside her, Bernard was a frantic mess, shouting across a broken comms unit and barking orders to troops scattering like ants to their stations.
"Deploy the second squad—no, the heavy shield unit—wait, hold position, HOLD—!"
Suddenly, a soldier stumbled in, blood on his brow, panting heavily.
"Sir! They've broken through the outer perimeter!"
"WHAAATTT?!"
