Kael sat on his throne, his cheek resting on his fist. His eyes locked on the wave of shadowy dome, waiting patiently, silently, for them to break free.
The shadows curled at his feet like hounds, loyal and restless. They shifted with tension, like even they were tired of waiting.
The air around him grew heavier, slowly matching the weight behind his silence. And as his patience wore thin, the Underworld seemed to hold its breath with him.
Then, finally—
The second cocoon cracked.
The man stumbled forward, staring down at his feet, each step was slow and uneven like he nearly escaped. His hands shook as he forced himself upright to meet his king eyes.
Kael's eyes locked on him.
"What is it that you desire?"
The man lifted his head slowly, his voice hoarse but steady.
"I just wanted to belong."
Chains burst from the floor. They wrapped around his ankles, his wrists—slow, like the Underworld was listening.
He didn't fight.
