Lord Flores advanced toward Clara, his eyes gleaming with dark hunger.
"Come here, little one," he crooned, extending his hand toward her trembling form. "Your body's constitution is precisely what I need."
I strained against the dark energy chains, feeling them slowly give as my rage built.
"Don't touch her," I warned, my voice low and dangerous.
Flores ignored me, his focus entirely on Clara. "Do you know what you are, child? A pure dark energy body—extraordinarily rare and valuable. Once I merge with you, my cultivation will reach unprecedented heights."
Clara pressed herself against the stone pillar, her eyes wide with terror. "M-merge?"
"Lord Flores!" I shouted, channeling more strength against my restraints. "Step away from her now!"
He cast an irritated glance in my direction. "Silence! You have no idea of her true value. This girl is a perfect cultivation tool—"
When his hand shot out to grab Clara's wrist, something snapped inside me.
