Lucas closed his eyes for a brief moment, forcing himself to breathe and rein in the urge to act, and when he opened them again his gaze was steady, though filled with worry. "Very well," he said softly. "But know this, if your life is truly in danger, I will not hesitate, pride or no pride."
The ice belle nodded once, a small but resolute gesture, before turning fully back to the shadow dragon, frost surging around her as she gathered what remained of her strength. "Come then," she declared, her voice ringing with defiance. "I am still standing, and I will not fall here."
The dragon roared in response, the sound echoing endlessly through the abyss as it launched itself forward once more, and Lucas and Henrietta could do nothing but watch, hearts heavy yet filled with a strange respect.
