Bona gazed at the twisted yet graceful being before him, its outline wavering amid illusory light and shadow.
An ancient, sickening sense of familiarity seized his mind in an instant.
He recognized it almost the moment his eyes fell upon it.
It was Uranikore, a deity of love and beauty that had existed since the dawn of human civilization.
An ancient monstrosity born from the mire of absurd, shameless desire, whispering temptations and luring souls into ruin and depravity.
Its name might not have resounded among the stars like Drach'nyen's, striking terror into mortals who heard it.
But as one of the seventy-two primordial demon breeds that had arisen alongside the human mind, Uranikore's foul name had likewise endured in ancient legends.
It was the mysterious witch that appeared in the mountains, and the Siren that lured people at sea with its song.
A barely perceptible flicker of surprise crossed Bona's mind. It had actually chosen to lurk here, in this shattered prison of dreams.
His cold gaze swept over the uncanny figure, his tone edged with mockery.
"Uranikore, I once thought you retained at least a trace of the cunning befitting an ancient demon."
"I never imagined you would submit so quickly to the Lord of Excess and become an extension of his will."
At his words, Uranikore gracefully twisted its serpent-supple body, displaying an eerie beauty that dazzled the senses.
The air seemed to thicken with its movements, carrying a faint, sickly-sweet scent of decay.
In the blink of an eye, it glided silently before Bona like a soundless shadow.
It gave a silvery laugh, though the sound seemed to ring directly in the depths of the soul.
"Ah, my dear friend, that one and I merely reached a few insignificant agreements."
"And so far, our partnership has