“She’s missed her aunties a lot. Isn’t that right, sweetie?” Lith asked.

“Yah!” Elysia nodded while looking around. “Auie So?”

“Auntie Zor couldn’t make it, pumpkin, but she’ll be here soon. I promise.” Bytra focused on Elysia’s warmth and held Lith’s hand. “Be quick. Elysia needs her godmother.”

The mind link didn’t show much more than what the Fourth Ruler of the Flames had already told them. The unknown assailant moved fast even by the Raiju’s standards, and changed shape and size too quickly to make out any of its features.

“Could it be a Horde?” Solus had witnessed Bytra’s memories via her bond with Lith, while Menadion through the black chains. “It would explain this kind of strength and tactics.

“Hordes are the closest thing to a white core, and if they want, they can multiply the number of their spores at will and with it their power and mass.”

“That would also explain why the Skull had such a hard time following its movements.” The Raiju’s eyes flared up with black mana in fury, but her voice remained warm and soothing.