The blind shaman frantically shook her head.
"Your Highness..." Her voice trembled. "Th-the conjurers... they've already begun—"
"Kkh—!"
Her words were suddenly cut off.
A thick, vine-like tentacle lashed around her neck, tightening without warning.
The old woman clawed desperately at it, choking as the crushing grip stole the air from her lungs.
Ryley's eyes widened in horror. "Wh-what is happening?!"
"They..." she rasped between violent coughs. "They... want your... divine body..."
The blond instinctively stepped toward her. "What are you talking about?! Why are you—"
"N-No!" The blind shaman forced the words out, raising a trembling hand to stop him despite the tentacle constricting around her throat.
"D-Don't come any closer! Don't touch any living being with a divine power!"
She struggled to pry the vine away, but it only tightened further.
