#tdad

Given that they hadn’t seen the tall form of Venefelis from a distance, Regina should have expected the small figure they found waiting past the ruined ships. Salem had her back to them, long ponytail and actual tail swinging as she bounced on the heels of her feet. “Is that-?” Nolan started to ask, only to be cut off when the human-like creature spun around.

   “Ri and Ross!” ‘Salem’ cheered. By Ulzar, Regina knew that the girl was a lie, but she seemed so real. “You found Salem again! Did you miss Salem? You didn’t forget about her again, did you?”

   Hilda glided forward to stand beside the Tyrant Queen. “Hello again, Venefelis. I trust you remember me?”

   Salem’s childish giggles ended. She reached up, lifting her Masquiti mask just enough for Regina to make out a sharp-fanged smile. A flash of red light erupted from the Nexomon’s body, the shape of a child replaced with the towering one of the Abyssal’s true form. “The Witch of the Citadel, Hilda,” he said. “After all this time, how much power do you have left, I wonder?” Venefelis’s red gaze shifted to Regina. “Kind, Queen Ri. It would be so much easier if you looked away from my Master’s plans. I already told you that your surrounding friends and allies were safe.”