Theron looked down at Cedric, his golden eyes glowing with an intensity that made the air feel heavy.
"Failure is not something I tolerate, Cedric.
You speak of standing ready to face judgment, but that's not enough.
You not only failed me — you failed her as well."
He stepped closer, his voice turning colder.
His voice grew colder.
"You're of no use to me if you cannot execute my orders.
So ask yourself: are you truly ready to face what comes next?"
Cedric, still kneeling, didn't show a hint of emotion.
His voice was quiet, resigned.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I have no excuse for my failure. I am prepared to accept whatever punishment you deem fit."
The knights and priests stood in tense silence, watching as Theron's golden eyes never left Cedric's bowed head.
Slowly, with deliberate slowness he raised his hand, holding the blood stain blade high.
"Cedric Virell," he said, each word sharp.
"As a Holy Knight, Knight Commander of the Royal Guard, and personal protector of the King, you have not only failed in your duty to protect the royal family—but you have also failed to carry out my command."
He paused, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
"For your betrayal, your incompetence, and your negligence, I strip you of your title and honor as a Holy Knight.
You are no longer—"
A voice broke through, interrupting him.
"Pardon my intrusion, Your Majesty."
Theron didn't look away from Cedric, but his hand, holding the blade, froze mid-air.
Slowly, he lowered it and turned toward the voice.
Elira stood just a few paces away, her face calm but clearly aware of the danger she was in.
Theron's golden eyes narrowed, the intensity of his gaze sharp as a knife.
"Do you truly wish to die, then?"
The question was cold, and it hung in the air heavier than any threat.
Elira felt a chill run through her spine, but she quickly bowed her head, keeping her voice steady.
"Your Majesty, I beg your divine mercy. I humbly seek your forgiveness for my intrusion."
Theron's gaze never wavered, and his grip tightened on the blade.
"You'd better have a damn good reason to interrupt me. If not, you'll answer for the insult with your life."
Elira's breath was steady, her voice unwavering firm but respectful, despite the weight of his stare.
"I do not wish to offend your noble grace, nor do I question your judgment.
I know you act in the name of justice, and I do not seek to undermine that.
She paused, taking a breath.
"However before the demon escaped using the Warp Stone, I managed to cast the Light of Her Radiant Mother upon it.
It will not be able to escape.
I assure you, Your Majesty, we will find it—
No matter where it hides.
The Light will find that abomination, and through her brilliance, the Queen's death will not go unpunished."