Time seemed to have stopped as Kael's group stood rooted to the ground. They wanted to move, but their entire being was filled with terror.
The only exception was Kael, but even he was affected by the woman's presence. He clenched his fists tightly but didn't do anything reckless.
He just stared at the strange woman and observed her.
She sat with a calm, almost lazy elegance—legs crossed, back slightly arched as if daring anyone to speak out of line. Her long, violet-black hair spilled over her shoulders like ink in water, a few rebellious strands falling across her face.
One eye stayed hidden behind her side-swept bangs, while the other, sharp and violet like a blade dipped in starlight, stared with quiet authority behind sleek glasses.
A cigarette hung loosely between her lips—not lit, just something to chew on while she sized up the area like she owned it.
And maybe she did.
