---- 287.


    [REMEMBER YOU NARRATOR Sigrid knew it even before it touched her skinit was pure poison.


    She raised her hand, and hundreds of ravens flooded the dark shadows, piercing through the storm, merging into one another, hardening to form a giant shield that protected her people.


    But the shield was wedit had a gaping hole, right above her.


    Sigrid, what are you doing?!" Aldric roared, trying to rush to her aid, but his daughterpletely blocked him with a barrier.


    Froma distance, Valeria watched in panic as the power of the Selenias, the very power they had worked so hard to refine and gather, protected the armybut not her daughter.


    "Sigrid, no, daughter, no, please," she began to cry, calling to her through their bond, but Sigrid didn''t hear her.


    She only looked at the man above her.


    "Tam yours, and you are mine.


    You are not Umbros, nor Grayyou are Ss.


    Only my Ss," her lips trembled with thest sybles, whispered softly, but she knew he could hear her.


    The ck droplets were falling harder.


    Danger was closing in.


    suddenly, Umbros began to grow restless.


    ?Why isnt she protecting herself? What is she trying to prove? Protect yourself, Selenia, do it! Guard yourself against my darkness! CREATE A SHIELD FOR YOURSELF!? ---- Panicpletely overtook him as he watched the corrosive rain fall toward her.


    This was what he wanted, wasnt it? But the thought of this woman getting hurt drove him madmore than he already was "Aaahhh!!!" he roared in fury, pping his wings and driving away the rain that was about to fall on Sigrid.


    It was unbelievable.


    The storm poured heavily over this part of the forest.


    The acid foamed against the massive shield surrounding the supernatural army.


    Even the specters weakened under the Selenias power.


    And yet, in one single spot, the rain did not fall.


    Not a single drop of malevolence touched Sigrid.


    Her heart pounded like wild horses galloping in the wind.


    No matter how much he denied ithis soul resonated with hers.


    Ss began to feel fear.


    True fear.


    This spell...


    he couldnt resist it.


    He couldnt.


    He pped his wings.


    He had to get away from her influence, from the enchantment that was calling him so powerfully.


    But Sigrid wouldnt let him escape.


    His ck and golden pupils constricted at the explosion of light, as if thousands of golden raven feathers were shining around him.