Plop!
Aengus and the two stepped out of the portal, emerging on the edge of the Kairos Empire, where the black ocean met the grassy shore. The cool sea breeze mingled with the tension in the air.
Aengus carefully laid the woman down on the soft ground, his hands glowing with a gentle light as he channeled his healing magic.
"Where... where am I?"
Under Lyra's astonished gaze, her mother's wounds closed swiftly, her pale complexion returning to a healthy glow. Within moments, she opened her eyes, blinking in confusion.
"Mother!"
Lyra rushed into her mother's arms, tears spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face in her lap. Her mother, now fully alert, wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her tightly with eyes full of relief and affection.
For a moment, her mind remained foggy, but as her gaze settled on her daughter, the memories came flooding back—the fear, the imprisonment, and the faint hope of salvation.