The Abyss Cradle pulsed with ancient hunger, its voice deep and layered with whispers that didn't belong in this world.
"SACRIFICE. GIVE THE MERMAID."
Lunari, bless her bubbly little soul, peeked out from behind Allen's back, blinking with those wide blue eyes. "Ooooh… is it talking about me? That's sooo creepy-cool~."
Allen reached back and patted her head. "Yeah, it wants to eat you, goldfish. Try not to look so flattered."
She giggled and did a little spin behind him like she was showing off. "But I'm all soft and squishy! Why would it want meeee~?"
The ground rumbled like a belly growling.
"SHE IS THE KEY. HER LIFE UNLOCKS POWER UNMATCHED."
Allen didn't budge. He just popped his knuckles and yawned. "Okay, but like... what kind of unmatched power? Are we talking fireballs or like... bottomless lasagna?"
The pressure slammed into him again—deeper, heavier, colder. Lunari let out a squeaky "eep!" and clung to his waist like a floating pool toy.
But Allen didn't move.