And then...
Nephis felt the seal binding her Aspect suddenly fall apart. Moonveil had released it.
At the same time, the Reflection holding the princess of Song in its hands shimmered slightly. And changed, assuming a new form.
Silver hair, fair skin, and calm grey eyes.
A face that could have been beautiful if it was expressive and lively instead of being cold and motionless like a lifeless mask.
A lithe and slender body.
It was her own face, and her own body.
The Reflection had mirrored Nephis.
She belatedly understood her mistake.
A moment later, a soft radiance enveloped the hands of the Reflection, pouring into Moonveil's body.
And Moonveil‘s terrible wounds miraculously healed.
...Nephis stared at her from a distance, feeling dismayed.
'What a cheat.‘
The princess of Song was as good as new.
...Of course, now that Nephis had been given back her Aspect, her wounds were also healing, and a raging flame was rising in her soul.
For a moment, nobody moved. Moonveil was panting heavily, looking at Nephis with a hint of wariness.
Nephis, meanwhile...
Smiled a little.
'On the other hand... that works, as well.‘
Moonveil and her two Reflections wore somber expressions as they readied themselves to continue the battle — which would grow infinitely more devastating and terrible now, without a doubt.
But Nephis was about to surprise them, as well.
She unleashed the suppressed power of her Aspect, assuming the incinerating form of the radiant spirit. At the same time, she called upon the sea of flames surrounding them, wrapping it around herself like a mantle.
However, she did not direct all that fiery power at her enemies.
...Instead, she aimed it at the wooden floor beneath her feet.
Surrounded by blinding light and a raging tide of immolating fire, Nephis fled from the battle and rushed down, piercing one level of the ancient Citadel after another like a falling star. Countless layers of mystical wood parted in front of her, crumbling into ash, as she burned a scorching path into the depths of the castle.
Lower and lower...
And lower still.
Until she plunged into a sea of impenetrable darkness, vanquishing it with her light.