All of Xylos's officers could do nothing but stare in horror, realizing their previous fear had only scratched the surface of what true power looked like.
"Mom!?"
Ys's voice broke the tension like shattering glass.
She stood up abruptly, panic wide in her bright eyes, her composure instantly slipping.
Her body trembled... not in fear, but in alarm. Her voice cracked as she spoke again, softer this time.
"…Why is she here…?"
The Lady in White turned slightly, her tone still serene. "She is very upset, it seems."
Rex raised a brow beneath his helmet. "Ys's mother…?" He looked at Ys, then the rift, then back at the Lady in White. "This isn't about Xylos, is it?"
"No," she replied softly. "This is about me, it seems."
Rex's mind sharpened instantly, his hand reflexively wrapping around Cleo's waist. "You?"
"Yes," said the Lady, her voice was still calm but edged with intrigue. "It seems someone believes Im dangerous, you see~"