The reaction was instantaneous. The swirling liquids vanished, sucked into the surface of the seed until the bowl was bone-dry. What remained was a seemingly ordinary seed, yet it pulsed with a soft, pinkish glow and emitted a scent so sweet it made Erik's head swim. The experiment was over, and the catalyst for his kingdom's rebirth or its final damnation was finally complete.
Erik remained locked in a daze, his gaze tethered to the pulsing, pink glow of the seed. He didn't even register the moment the air grew cold beside him, signaling Siren's silent withdrawal. It was only the rhythmic, deliberate sound of footsteps echoing against the floor that finally shattered his trance.
He snapped his head toward the entrance, his eyes widening in a mixture of shock and burgeoning dread. Emerging from the door was his Queen, her expression was one of almost religious devotion. She was being led forward by Siren, who moved with a catlike grace and a triumphant smile.
