Chapter 758: Heroes and Mortals - II

Rhine stood in silence, unsealing the vessel that harbored the collected aether.

Upon the opening of this extraordinary container, the aether would swiftly dissipate without specialized methods of absorption. Yet, Rhine was acutely aware that Marlina wielded a power that would not squander even a fraction of this precious essence.

It was a power that Rhine had long coveted, yet remained forever beyond its grasp.

The ebon witch raised her left hand, adorned with a serpentine ring. 

The ring's design was the epitome of the macabre - not a circular band, but a "snake's head." The wearer's finger passed through the serpent's maw, where four fangs pressed against flesh, nearly embedding themselves within, as if poised to devour even the one who bore it, in a display of insatiable voracity.