Back in the camp, the reinforcements from Valcrez had begun to arrive just as Nikolai had planned. Soldiers gradually appeared, each one prepared to engage the endless onslaught of monsters and demons unleashed by Helion.
Krisha and Zaila were among the newcomers, and they immediately sought out Mineah.
"Your Highness," they greeted respectfully, bowing before Mineah. "We have finally arrived."
"So I see," replied Mineah with a chuckle. "You need not bow to me, though. As my friends, we are beyond such formalities."
The shadow maidens laughed along with Mineah before standing tall again, ready to resume their service to her.
"It seemed only fitting, Your Highness," Krisha said as she brushed off her knees. "We are, after all, your devoted handmaidens."
"Indeed," added Zaila with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Isn't it right to kneel before our queen?"