They spotted the chaos from the air. Vines and twisted plants circled Rosewood like a living siege wall. Flashes of golden light cut through the greenery—Diana's sword, carving paths that closed almost as quickly as she made them.
"Oh no."
A roar from below. A plant monster twice as tall as a house swiped at Diana. She dodged, slashed, and the creature split in two—only for both halves to grow back as separate entities.
"That's... not good," Petriel said.
Willow's bark-like face hardened.
"This corruption has evolved."
They landed behind Diana, who didn't even turn around. She just kept hacking at the encroaching plants.
"Took you long enough!" she shouted, beheading something that looked like a cross between a turnip and a bear. "Did you enjoy your little field trip while I've been FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE?"
"We found answers," Grace called back, drawing her rapier. "About the Root."
"Great. Tell me after we're not DEAD!"
"Oh, don't be so dramatic. You can't die!"
