An Explosive Ending

Upon hearing Kiera's voice, Roxy felt a sinking sensation in her stomach as if her insides had collapsed. The sharp feelings of anxiety and hopelessness overpowered her, stripping away any sense of comfort in the Mortal Plane.

Emperor Lexicon had already taken so much from her—her life, dreams, obligations, and future—through his soul pact. Although she couldn't blame him, the thought of losing her little brother was too much to bear. He wasn't her blood, but his obnoxious clinging had brought them closer, and she now realized how important he was. If she tried to protect him, then—

Roxy snapped out of her daze when the oppressive atmosphere suddenly gave way to a single cheer, and then the entire area erupted in thunderous applause.