The violet thorn erupted from Paula's throat with brutal precision, forcing the corpse backward before the finishing blow could land.
Mesmer stumbled.
Not hurt.
Just slightly inconvenienced.
Paula's ruined head tilted, torn throat leaking thick black fluid instead of blood.
"Still conscious?"
The demon's voice carried mild annoyance rather than concern over the body or himself.
"Impressive."
Aura rose from the rubble where Mesmer had thrown her earlier, horns fully visible, demonic energy radiating off her in violent purple waves.
She said nothing.
No banter.
No threats.
She just attacked.
Violet Garden flooded the chamber.
Thorns erupted from every surface – walls, floor, ceiling – converging on Paula's corpse from a dozen directions at once.
The possessed body moved.
Awkwardly at first, limbs bending weirdly, joints snapping to unnatural angles as Mesmer forced the damaged vessel into motion.
But he adapted quickly.
