~BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!~
From the rubble of the blast, Seraph emerged, her once-pristine form slightly marred by dust and debris but no less radiant. Her golden wings spread wide, and her sharp gaze locked onto Rey and the mysterious figure who had intervened.
Her expression, usually calm and composed, now held a glint of surprise and wariness.
Rey struggled to stand, but his body was too battered to respond.
"Ater, how…?" he muttered, his voice weak.
"Master," Ater said gently, without looking back. His crimson eyes stayed fixed on Seraph as a smirk tugged at his lips.
"Please, conserve your strength. You'll need it later."
Rey wanted to protest, to demand answers, but Seraph moved before he could form the words. With a flick of her hand, a searing beam of golden light shot toward them. It was faster than anything Rey could track, and his instincts screamed that it was unavoidable.
But Ater moved effortlessly.
