The air in the dimly lit chamber was suffocating, thick with malice and dread. The Master stepped into the foreboding hall, his once-commanding presence reduced to nothing more than a shadow of fear. Before him stood three figures, each exuding an aura of pure menace.
At the center was Black Dagger, the leader of the traitorous council. Clad in black armor adorned with crimson accents, his sharp, calculating eyes glowed faintly in the darkness. His very presence seemed to weigh down the room, suffocating anyone who dared oppose him.
To his right was a monstrous figure known as Gravok. Towering and brutish, his scarred body was a testament to countless battles. His heavy breathing and clenched fists radiated raw, untamed power.
To Black Dagger's left was a woman cloaked in flowing black robes, her face obscured by a silver mask. Known only as Silvara, she spoke rarely, but her every movement was calculated, her aura sharp and chilling. Her silence was more terrifying than any words she could utter.
The Master swallowed hard as he stepped forward, every nerve in his body screaming at him to turn and flee. But there was no escape.
Black Dagger's gaze locked onto him, his expression unreadable. "You've returned," he said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "I assume you bring news."
The Master hesitated, his head lowering. "I... I failed," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gravok let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through the chamber like a rumble of thunder. "You failed?" he spat, his massive hand slamming into the wall beside him, cracking the stone. "You had one job, and you couldn't even do that?"
Silvara tilted her head slightly, her voice soft yet piercing. "Failure has consequences, Master. You should know that by now."
The Master dropped to his knees, his trembling hands pressed against the cold stone floor. "I underestimated them," he said desperately. "Razork's son, Kael, has awakened a power I've never seen before. Even Zarvok fell to him."
Black Dagger's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes darkened. "Kael," he repeated, his tone laced with disdain. "The boy is more troublesome than I anticipated."
He stepped forward, his boots echoing ominously against the stone floor. The Master flinched as Black Dagger reached out, his hand gripping the Master's neck with inhuman strength.
"You failed me," Black Dagger said, his voice low and menacing. "And now, because of your incompetence, Razork and his bloodline grow stronger."
The Master clawed at Black Dagger's hand, gasping for air. "Please... forgive me... I won't fail again," he choked out.
Black Dagger's grip tightened, lifting the Master off the ground effortlessly. "Forgiveness is not something I grant lightly," he said, his tone icy. "But I will give you one last chance."
He threw the Master to the ground, the impact shaking the room. The Master coughed violently, blood dripping from his mouth as he scrambled to his knees.
"You will not fail again," Black Dagger continued, his voice a deadly whisper. "Because if you do, I will personally make sure you suffer a fate worse than death."
The Master nodded frantically, his fear evident in every trembling motion. "Yes, Black Dagger. I swear I won't fail."
Black Dagger turned to Gravok and Silvara, his expression unreadable. "We cannot afford any more setbacks. Gravok, prepare the forces. Silvara, ensure that every move they make is tracked."
Gravok grunted in agreement, his massive fists clenching. "I'll make sure they don't get far."
Silvara nodded, her voice calm and calculating. "They won't escape our reach."
Black Dagger turned back to the Master, his eyes narrowing. "You will lead the next strike. But remember this—failure is not an option. Do not test my patience again."
The Master bowed low, his head nearly touching the ground. "I won't disappoint you, Black Dagger. I promise."
As the Master hurried out of the room, the oppressive silence returned. Black Dagger's gaze lingered on the spot where the Master had knelt, his mind already formulating the next move.
"Razork may have survived this long," he said, his voice calm but filled with venom. "But he won't survive what's coming next."
Gravok let out a dark chuckle. "Let's see how long the 'Lord of the World' can hold out against us."
Silvara's lips curled into a faint smile beneath her mask. "They'll fall, one by one. It's only a matter of time."
Black Dagger's eyes gleamed with malice as he turned away, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Prepare for war."