The blood moon hung over them like an open wound.
Crimson Demonic Energy surged through the countless vines covering the surroundings, causing them to twist and writhe like living creatures.
The enormous blood-red moon above them suddenly became brighter, and a strange pressure descended from the sky.
The princess did not wait for him to admire it.
She vanished.
Gray's Spirit Eyes caught the movement a fraction late. A crimson afterimage tore across the ground, and her fist was already in front of his chest.
BOOM!
He twisted.
The punch still clipped his shoulder and sent him skidding backward through the roots. Dark soil exploded behind him.
"Oww..."
Pain flashed down his arm.
The princess noticed his gaze and smiled.
"What happened?"
She slowly walked forward.
"You looked so confident a moment ago."
Her crimson hair floated behind her as she approached, and the blood moon reflected in her ruby-red eyes.
"Where did all that confidence go?"
Gray smiled faintly.
