Beneath the Old King's Royal Capital lay a dark Underground Palace.
The dungeon guards were still gathering at the entrance on the Warden's orders. Maria had deliberately stalled them, giving Annan time to escape the Old King's Royal Capital.
About forty minutes later, an ominous bell rang out across the night sky of the Old King's Royal Capital. High above, the Fel Eye awoke from its slumber.
The Ratfolk Priest had discovered Princess Sails was gone.
Maria followed two armored Ratfolk to the Ratfolk Priest.
Before those vertical pupils gleaming scarlet, Maria feigned panic. "I don't know where she went..."
"You... ruined the Holy Race's... mission."
The Ratfolk Priest's voice was like a broken horn, harsh and low. "You know the price..."
"Yes... I know."
This was her second failure. By Stuen Clan tradition, she would be sent to the Rat Nest and operated on, turned into a breeding machine like the Rat Mother...
As the Ratfolk Priest raised his Bone Staff and fluorescent green Fel Energy bloomed, Maria thought that the last light in her life had gone away with Annan. At least it had existed...
Like her foolish little brother, it would never know in its brief life how colorful the world could be.
Before the punishment struck Maria, a Teleportation Array suddenly appeared beneath her feet. An instant later, it was interrupted and altered into a Portal.
Two unfamiliar human Mages stepped out. One saw the Fel Energy and casually raised his Staff. A ray shot forth, annihilating both the Fel Energy and the Ratfolk Priest.
Annan then sprang out of the Portal and said to a stunned Maria, "You didn't think I'd leave you here, did you?"
Mr. Swaro, who had been surveying their surroundings, gave Annan a long look.
"Why did you come back?"
Maria