Nabutu had fallen.
The battle had ended.
But as the Blood Disciples bore witness to their prince's tyrannical display, on a not-so-distant battlefield, Akamana traded blows with Caligula—assisted by Elektra, Belphegor and subordinates who hacked through lines of demonic beings.
Akamana's troops had the scene on lockdown, but with two dozen dark gates that spewed fiends like candy bars, the Grand Priestess' warriors got overwhelmed, losing ground as time passed.
Meanwhile, Caligula hid behind a veil of darkness, doing his best to avoid a direct confrontation with Akamana while firing bolts at Sucuria. She ignored them, trusting that Akamana would protect her while she unlocked her last hope to turn the tides.
Because yes, forced by the Heart of Malice, Akamana and Sucuria had now joined hands—in tandem facing the King of Bastards, Caligula di Balarak.