In the face of Oriana’s overwhelming power, Evanthe chose to channel her energy into averting disaster rather than engaging in arguments with Zaria. Though there was unsettled business between them, now was not the time.
Zaria signaled her people, and together with Zaria, they assisted Evanthe and the others in their efforts.
Meanwhile, grappling with the formidable force of Oriana’s power, Drayce pressed on in his search for his friend. The force was so intense that Drayce had to utilize his own power to cut through it, tirelessly working to locate Arlan.
"She is incredibly strong," Cornelia remarked, concern etched on her face. "Our endurance might have limits."
Aware of the impending struggle, Sierra urged, "Hold on for as long as possible. We can only hope that her human form will eventually betray the extent of her current strength."
Meanwhile, Drayce persevered and eventually found Arlan lying on the ground, his body bloodied and coated in dust. Rushing to his side, Drayce cradled him in his arms, desperately calling out, "Arlan."
There was no response from his friend. Drayce shielded him and Arlan’s body with his powers, ensuring they remained unaffected by the encroaching storm of power they found themselves in.
"You stubborn Dragon, you can’t die. Do you hear me? You cannot meet such a pathetic end at the hands of a despicable woman. Do you hear me?"
As Oriana’s power intensified, the malevolent storm devoured everything in its path, inching toward the kingdom’s border, casting a menacing shadow over the lives of the innocent.
"Dray, we might need your help!" Evanthe’s urgent shout pierced through the chaotic atmosphere, reaching Drayce’s keen hearing. "We are faltering against her. We need you to wield your power of darkness. Only you possess absolute darkness. We must hold our ground until her human body gives in."
Drayce absorbed the plea from his mother, his eyes locking onto Oriana at the heart of the escalating storm. Her slender form remained motionless, eyes shut, emanating a hellish power of darkness. Jet-black hair billowed around her as the overhead vortex grew more potent, fueled by her relentless energy.
Acknowledging that even his powers might falter against her, Drayce glanced down at Arlan in his arms. "Your mate is losing control over your death. She’s on the brink of destruction. Can’t you see it?"
As anticipated, there was no response from Arlan.
"Dray, did you hear me?" Evanthe’s voice came once more. "You have to help us."
Drayce could also sense the intensity of Oriana’s growing power. He stood up and advanced towards Oriana as he used his power against her to help others, trying to restrict her powers from spreading.
Against the surging power, Drayce cut through with his own abilities, shielding himself, navigating through the powerful storm, he pushed forward.
Approaching Oriana, Drayce sensed her unwavering determination to destroy everything. He pressed on, standing before her.
"Oriana," Drayce called out, but there was no response.
"I’ve brought Arlan to you. Don’t you want to take a look at him? Arlan needs you."
"Oriana, you have to stop. You know Arlan is hurt. You need to help him treat his wounds. You are a physician, only you can heal him," Drayce’s gentle tone shifted to a commanding one. "Come back to your senses. You are Oriana and not Esmerray. You are Arlan’s Oriana."
His words fell on the deaf ears as Oriana didn’t react to them.
’She is so strong at this moment. I am afraid even I won’t be able to stop her if her body won’t give up any time soon.’
Everyone was scared that even after long time Oriana’s strength only continued to increase. Everyone wary of her now.
’She is summoning her power of demoness.’
’We cannot stand in front of her.’
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Devil's Betrothed