(Princess? Is she… that Hornet Princess? She's out of her cocoon!) Ren held his breath, a wave of shock and relief crashing through his chest. It was painfully clear—without the appearance of that small girl, his life would've ended seconds ago.
The tiny girl stood still, as if her presence had pierced through the madness of war and silenced all the noise of the world. The antennae on her head moved gently, vibrating softly, as though trying to connect with Veskar, who remained frozen in front of her.
But Veskar didn't respond. Though his gaze had lost its feral edge, his eyes remained blank. The remnants of the slave magic still clung to him like invisible chains, binding a mind already pushed to its limit. He was only half-conscious—half-controlled.
