Velra took a slow step forward, still processing the truth.
"So Valcair… that forgotten thing…"
"He's the one pulling your leash."
The girl didn't speak.
She just bowed her head slightly.
"He'll bring Vantess back. He promised—"
Her breath caught.
Velra's eyes sharpened instantly. "What?"
The girl's body twitched.
A convulsion ran through her chest.
Zain immediately stepped forward. "What the hell—?"
Her eyes widened in horror as her entire frame began to seize.
Then they both saw it.
Black lines, like ink veins, crawled rapidly up her neck.
Her mouth opened, but no sound came.
Her eyes rolled back. Her body jerked once—
Snap.
Her spine bent unnaturally.
Velra lunged forward to catch her—but it was already over.
The girl collapsed in Velra's arms—limp, silent, gone.
Zain crouched beside them, eyes narrowed. "Tether kill. Remote."
Velra gritted her teeth, checking the girl's neck.
The mark was glowing faint red, then fizzled into smoke.
