She raised a claw, releasing another surge of spatial darkness, this time freezing the air around Damien's group entirely, trapping them in place. Fluffy struggled, muscles bulging, but found himself completely immobilized. Rage Monkey roared, but even his fiery strength couldn't break free.
Damien felt the force of her power pressing down on him, cold and absolute. He closed his eyes briefly, gathering his own energy, trying to sense a weakness in the Matriarch's oppressive law.
"Struggle all you like," she whispered, voice dripping malice. "You'll remain right here, trapped, until the inheritor comes to claim you personally."
Damien opened his eyes slowly, meeting the Matriarch's gaze with unwavering resolve. He spoke softly, calmly, projecting confidence he wasn't entirely sure he felt. "I don't think so."
The Matriarch's brow twitched, slightly intrigued. "You believe you have a chance here?"
Damien's lips curled slightly. "Do you really think you've caught me?"
