What happens next is probably not unexpected. With the Red Beast freed, the Huntsman must already know that his entire operation is at risk. There is only one thing to do - and that’s to put her down a second time.

As the fortress burns away, the melted remains begin to sprout and grow plant life. The bones change to trees, and the flames leave behind equally vibrant red flowers of all kinds. Things are changing, and they are not in the old king’s favour.

He appears in a miasma of his power, the black serpent already changing into a long jagged spear. He’s been pulled away from leading his army to deal with her once more.

"Beast!" he yells. "You would do well to learn your place!"

He hurls his spear. The Ringmaster snaps her jaws, swallowing the weapon whole.

"No," she growls, and lunges for him.

It’s a sight some of them will have seen before - the Ringmaster tangling with another great foe, titanic forces unleashed. Now, however, there will be no containing her. She tears him apart in her claws, bleeding the death from his body of trophies. She is Death, but also Rebirth - and she would much rather see his power born into something better.

The Huntsman is consumed in the fight that happens overhead, and it’s only after that the Ringmaster returns to them. The flames are still spreading, but they mingle with the new plant-life without causing harm. She lowers her head.

"I’m sorry," she says, finally. For a lot of things.