The Demon Queen of the Southern Continent, Vexena, the Crimson Woe, sits on her throne, composure shattering like fine glass, tears welling in her eyes while Maribelle stands before her wrapped in nothing but the last of her dignity and a thin sheen of sweat.
"All I've had are spy reports and scrying imps." Vexena mutters, voice thick with longing. " I lost track of her months ago, the only reason I found her is because I was after the construct. I had to see him myself after what he did to a Baroness Syraleth." She runs to Maribelle, voice softer, "I want to know what Veena's been up to. What she's like. Who she's become. Everything."
"Not unless you guarantee my safety." Maribelle clenches her jaw.
A sudden stillness falls until, in an instant, Eris appears in a flicker of smoke, her blade hovering just beneath Maribelle's chin, humming with malevolent energy, tiny sparks of it searing against her skin.
