Lyrisa nodded slowly, a shadow of worry flickering briefly across her face. "You're right. She truly is terrifying."
Damien caught the flicker of anxiety in her expression and gently flicked her forehead, drawing a startled glance from her. "Don't worry," he reassured her lightly, his voice confident and warm. "I'm pretty scary too, remember?"
She chuckled softly, her eyes warming with affection and amusement. "Indeed you are," she conceded playfully, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Get me the inheritance, Damien, and I'll reward you thoroughly tonight."
Damien laughed softly, his eyes dancing mischievously. "Consider me highly motivated."
Together, they stood comfortably side by side, watching as other survivors slowly trickled into the grassland through identical shimmering portals. Faces emerged tense and exhausted, their numbers far fewer than when the trials began.
