Intruder

Oriana's advance seemed to have no effect on the witch, who remained motionless in her stead. The moment Oriana took a step forward, the floor beneath her feet burst into radiant illumination, forming a mystical circle replete with ancient runes.

"Huh?" Oriana gasped, her gaze dropping to her feet. To her astonishment, she found herself immobilized, her every attempt to move thwarted. The circle pulsed with a blend of divine energy and potent darkness, a clear indication that it had been wrought using Arlan's divine blood.

In the chamber, the witch's laughter resounded, "Did you genuinely believe that allowing your earlier assaults to succeed would enable you to subdue me, the mightiest black witch?"

Oriana stared in disbelief. She had been certain that her previous attacks had taken their toll, but now she realized the witch had masterfully kept her occupied with conversation while secretly devising this trap. The witch had orchestrated everything.