Candlelight

Sunny and Nephis scrambled in an attempt to find a hiding spot… but there was no need. 

Their first thought was that the dreadful butterfly had won the battle against the Azure Serpent. If that was the case, then their fates would be sealed. However, a moment later, a deafening roar shook the world, pushing them to the ground. 

Turning to the stormy waters of the Great River, they saw a familiar creature rising to the surface. 

The serpent was looking the worse for wear, with countless deep lacerations covering its mighty body. Streams of scarlet blood were flowing down its azure scales, and its giant eyes seemed even more deranged than usual. Flames of indescribable, murderous malice were burning in their cloudy depths — but, for once, that malice was not directed at the two humans. 

Instead, it was aimed at the battered butterfly.