A cold satisfaction settled in my chest as I watched Lira rise from the ashes of her former self. Her golden wings, once radiant with pure phoenix fire, now shimmered with the same violet corruption that pulsed through my veins. The sight sent a thrill through me.
I didn't expect to be able to create this creature, and it was easier than I anticipated.
Good.
She blinked up at me, her eyes no longer the warm gold of a phoenix, but a deep, swirling violet. Her once golden skin had turned white, and black veins pulsed under it.
Confusion flickered across her face, followed by dawning horror as she realized what had been done to her.
"W-what—" Her voice cracked, raw and unfamiliar.
I crouched in front of her, tilting her chin up with my fingers. "Shhh," I murmured, my thumb brushing o
