"A paradox is a sacrifice in a closed system, a single life for an impossible future."
Outside the temple, a strong gust of wind, smelling of ozone and fury, tore through the air. Terralia, her form radiating a fierce, golden light despite her injuries, braced herself. "He's here," she said, her voice a low growl. "Loki, prepare yourself."
"I am always ready, my lady," Loki replied, his smirk a stark contrast to the tension in the air. He leaned casually against a pillar, his form disguised as the officer who had deceived Mainu. Beside him, the illusory replica of the dragon egg pulsed with a convincing echo of chaos energy.
Mainu landed with a crash that shook the temple's foundations, his massive form exuding a dark, oppressive aura. "Terralia!" he bellowed, his voice a thunderous roar. "Where is my child?"
