Smoke still lingered in the air, hanging like fog as the Goblin Queen floated silently above them. Her long silver hair billowed, and her bare feet hovered just inches off the stone floor. She didn't speak—but her presence made the air itself feel heavier, like gravity had doubled.
Caelen stared up at her. His green eyes gleamed with curiosity… and control.
"Welcome," he said calmly, almost like greeting an old friend.
She didn't respond. Her eyes moved slowly, scanning the room. Goblins were bowing. Eldric and his men's lifeless bodies were scattered like broken puppets.
She raised her hand—elegant, pale, and glowing with a strange red light.
Suddenly, Eldric's body and the others began to rot—flesh cracking, bones snapping, turning to ash within seconds.
Veralia shuddered. "Is… is she the one doing that?"
Reina narrowed her eyes. "Looks like it."
