Tatsumi's steps faltered.
A sudden tremble echoed through her soul.
Her eyes widened and then glazed over, as if glimpsing something far away. Her hand rose instinctively to her chest.
No… not Bi Feng…
The soul bond had shattered.
A hollow crack rang through her spirit, and the world fell still. Her knees buckled.
Grief hit like a blade to the gut sharp, cruel, and final. Her heart clenched, not from pain, but from the empty silence left behind.
She staggered, whispering, "Bi Feng… you lost...?"
But Liu Mei didn't stop.
She lunged, eyes fierce, daggers gleaming in the dim light.
There was no hesitation nor pity in her eyes.
Not for someone who had tried to kill her.
Ace appeared atop a shattered spire, his robes scorched, skin charred and bloodied… but he smiled.
And beside him—
A mountain of muscle and fur.
Little Aoki.
The Tyrant Bear stepped forward, each movement shaking the earth.
