Soreia collapsed, her breath torn into ragged pieces as fire swam through her veins.
The unknown liquid surged inside her like a living thing, thrashing against her organs in revolt. The inheritance had turned on her. It wanted her out.
Her nails scraped the stone as she fought to stay conscious.
"No... no... this is mine...my destiny" she hissed through gritted teeth.
Not far away, Serena watched her thrash in pain coldly. Her spiritual aura shimmered around her like a thin veil, untouched by the corrosive air. Her hands were already raised for another strike, fingers curling with focused energy.
But then something shifted.
The statue's hand—still slick with residual energy from the first droplet—split open again. A second identical drop formed. It hovered there, suspended between them.
Serena paused.
The voice of the Sentinel echoed, this time louder, deeper. "Another eligible candidate has appeared. Prove that you are fit."
The droplet floated toward her.
