The cold shadows of the dungeon closed in around them as Zane followed Valerie deeper into the winding tunnels. Sera stayed close behind, wary of every step.
Valerie's purple hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, but her smile felt sharp, almost too perfect.
"Zane, I think I found something important," she said softly, glancing back to catch his eye.
Zane hesitated for a moment but trusted her enough to follow.
As they turned a corner, the air suddenly shifted—heavy, thick with tension. Valerie stopped abruptly and disappeared into the darkness like a whisper.
Before Zane could react, a voice slithered through the silence.
"Well done, Valerie. You've done exactly as I asked."
From the shadows stepped Lysara—tall, with an unsettling calmness in her eyes, her presence chilling the air.
Zane's system immediately flagged the threat.
> [ALERT: DANGEROUS ENTITY DETECTED — LYSARA]
Sera's breath hitched. "Zane, watch out!"
Lysara's smile was cold, almost mocking. "You're more interesting than I thought. This little trap should weaken you enough... before the Interchange event."
Valerie's eyes flickered, conflicted yet obedient under Lysara's dark influence.
Zane steadied himself, gripping his Endblade tightly. "I'm not falling for this."
The trap had closed, and the real battle was about to begin.