The shapeshifter noticed the pillar's transformation immediately. Golden light twisted into darkness as crimson lightning crackled through the void. Her human form elongated, scales rippling across her skin as she morphed into a massive serpent. The beast's coils wrapped around the corrupted pillar, her forked tongue tasting the air for answers.
Through slitted eyes, she spotted Rui standing near the edge of the ritual circle. The serpent's massive head whipped forward, jaws unhinging to engulf Rui's torso in a single bite. Rui didn't resist as razor-sharp fangs clamped around her body.
The beast dragged Rui across the chamber floor, serpentine muscles flexing as she deposited the noble consort at the Emperor and Wei's feet. Blood already stained Rui's elaborate robes where the beast's fangs had pierced her flesh.
