They descended into the depths of Mystica's underground lab—the place that hummed with the eerie thrum of power and old secrets. The atmosphere was just as Liam remembered: off-putting, like the room itself was watching. Still, he remained unfazed.
But Ariana? She was wide-eyed, her steps cautious. Her gaze darted from floating orbs of light pulsing softly in the air to strange vials filled with swirling, color-shifting mist. Every corner seemed like a mystery wrapped in madness. And yet, it wasn't until they reached the heart of the room that her breath caught.
There, in the center—encased in a tall, transparent tank—floated a body.
Half of it looked… human. Pale skin, delicate features, almost serene. But the rest? That's where the horror crept in. Twisted vines made of earthbound Myst coiled around limbs like hungry snakes. Jagged plates of rocky armor replaced the other half of her torso—less human, more monster. The hide looked like it belonged on a demon, not a duchess.
