122: The Goddess's Taunt- Part 2

Auriel gritted her teeth. She knew she couldn't win in a head-on battle, not when Minerva was brimming with dark magic and had the advantage in this realm. 

Her only hope was to hold out long enough for the heavens to intervene. But she also knew that if Minerva lost interest completely, she might simply leave—and that was something Auriel could not allow.

"Then leave. Go back to the heavens and stop this madness, Minerva. You weren't like this before." 

Auriel said sharply, still trying to control the situation. 

Minerva laughed—a deep, mocking laugh that sent chills down Auriel's spine. 

"Leave? Oh, dear Auriel, you're still so naïve. I'll leave when I decide to, not because you asked me to. But I suppose there's no reason for me to stay here anymore. You clearly have no intention of making this fun."