The golden light surrounding Celestia flickered as she took another step closer. Arin could feel her presence wrapping around him like an unspoken promise.
"A vow," she repeated, her voice like a melody. "Not of power, but of trust. Of eternity."
Arin met her gaze, his mind racing. This wasn't just about gaining strength—it was a bond beyond mortal understanding. But before he could speak, the hall trembled.
A gust of icy wind swirled through the chamber.
The air grew heavy.
A rift tore open in the space behind Celestia, and from its depths, a figure emerged.
She stepped forward with an air of undeniable elegance. Long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, her sapphire eyes glowing with an ethereal shimmer. Her armor was adorned with intricate frost-like patterns, and every step she took left behind a faint glimmer of ice.
Celestia turned, her brows furrowing. "So… she finally arrives."
The woman smirked. "Did you think I wouldn't?" Her voice was smooth, confident. "After all, my claim to him is just as strong as yours."
Arin blinked. "Who…?"
She looked at him, and for a moment, something flickered in her gaze—something possessive, something knowing.
"I am Freya," she said. "Goddess of the Frost Veil. And I believe we have unfinished business, my dear Arin."
Lilith, who had been watching from the doorway, let out a low whistle. "Damn. Another one?"
Evelyn groaned. "Of course."
Celestia's golden glow pulsed in response to Freya's icy aura. The two goddesses stood on either side of Arin, their powers colliding in unseen waves.
Freya smiled, tilting her head. "Well then, shall we discuss my place in all this?"
Arin exhaled. "Here we go again…"
[TO BE CONTINUED...]