31

The silence in the main chamber of the dungeon was interrupted by a flash of dark energy that illuminated the moss-covered walls. From thin air, an imposing figure emerged in front of Aurora and Sebastian. It was Kaili, whose presence dominated the space with an almost palpable authority. Her six membranous wings unfolded slowly, shifting colors like a liquid rainbow under the light of the central orb. Kaili's eyes, dark pools with glimmers of power, scanned the room before settling on Sebastian with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. A sneer twisted her lips as she observed him, as if the human's mere presence offended her.

"I am Kaili, the Harbinger Throne of Plagues," she announced, her voice resonating with an ancient power. "My existence is at the service of my Queen... although I see that she has already made some unwise decisions."

Kaili inclined her head slightly toward Aurora, displaying a perfunctory deference. Her gaze bored into Sebastian, assessing him coldly, as if he were an insignificant insect. A shiver ran down Sebastian's spine as he felt the intensity of Kaili's gaze.

Kaili approached Sebastian with an elegance that contrasted with her intimidating aura. With a disdainful gesture, she pointed at the human while speaking directly to Aurora.

"My Queen," Kaili said, her voice echoing, "why do you allow this mortal to remain here? He possesses no power. He is weak, fragile... a burden to your greatness."

Aurora frowned, annoyed by Kaili's critical tone. She took Sebastian's hand and placed it on her chest, her gaze firm, conveying an unwavering determination.

Kaili narrowed her eyes, surprised by Aurora's firmness. She knew she could not directly contradict her Queen, but her voice dripped with venom as she spoke again.

"I understand your affection, my Queen," she responded coldly, "but you must remember that this dungeon is not a refuge for the weak. If he does not soon prove his usefulness, his fate will be sealed."

Sebastian felt a knot in his stomach as he heard Kaili's thinly veiled threat. He met Aurora's gaze, seeking reassurance. She smiled at him, and her confidence comforted him.

Determined to defend Sebastian, Aurora approached the central hologram. With quick but deliberate movements, she used the interface to display images of the plants Sebastian had studied and the modifications they had made together in the dungeon. She pointed out the passages Sebastian had helped discover, the traps he had identified, the creatures he had helped control.

Aurora pointed at the flowers growing on the walls and then at Sebastian, with an expression that said, "He is part of this."

Kaili observed the images skeptically. Finally, she nodded reluctantly, acknowledging that Sebastian might have some value.

"Very well, mortal," she said, looking at him with distrust. "You have shown some usefulness, but do not forget that your position here is precarious. I will not hesitate to eliminate anything I deem unnecessary."

Sebastian nodded calmly, showing that he was not intimidated. Aurora clapped her hands excitedly, happy to see that they had reached an understanding.

Kaili, with a sigh of impatience, decided to briefly explain her role as "Harbinger Throne of Plagues." She addressed Aurora.

"My duty is to pave the way for your ascension, to ensure that nothing and no one interferes with your destiny. This dungeon is only the beginning. Soon, you will claim your place as the absolute sovereign."

As she spoke, Kaili spread her wings, casting a shadow that covered the entire room. Her aura of power was overwhelming.

Kaili retreated to one of the side chambers of the dungeon, leaving Aurora and Sebastian alone.