Tangled in Deception [2]

[2nd Weekly Bonus Chapter. Enjoy.]

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However, it also meant the Seductive Serpent used its trump card - The Roar of Seduction.

A deafening, hypnotic roar erupted from the Guardian, reverberating through the cavern with an almost tangible force. I felt it penetrate my mind, clawing at my senses, and before I knew it, reality began to blur and twist around me. The world grew hazy, and I struggled to maintain my focus.

Beside me, Aurelius staggered, his eyes unfocused as he too was caught in the Serpent's mental assault. The lines between reality and illusion began to fade, and I could feel my grip on the present slipping away.

Suddenly, I found myself standing by the edge of the pool again. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Aria struggling in the water, her eyes wide with fear as the Serpent's body coiled around her, dragging her down into the depths. She reached out to me, her voice weak and pleading.