Aeris dropped to one knee. His scythe slipped from his grip and hit the ground with a dull clang.
"Why?"
The pain in his body was nothing compared to what he felt inside.
"I trusted you..." He coughed again. "More than anybody else, I trusted you... You were my wings."
Zera giggled. "I am sorry," she said with a cruel grin. Both her hands clutched the hilt of the Muramasa. "I am no longer inclined to answer you."
Felgrand laughed in triumph. "I warned you not to underestimate me. I never thought I could take you by myself." He slowly picked himself up and continued, "I said I'd take everything you hold dear. What better way to start than with your beloved Zera? Your oldest and closest companion?"
Aeris didn't reply. He didn't even look at Felgrand. His eyes stayed on Zera—there was no sign of compassion or regret in hers.
"Consider this my resignation," she whispered and yanked the Muramasa from his back.
Aeris screamed from the pain. His strength left his body in one quick wave. His limbs felt heavy. He tried to use the healing runes, but nothing happened. His vision blurred as the chaotic aura around him faded completely.
Zera looked down at him. "Your healing spell won't work," she said. "Not against my Muramasa." She giggled again.
He barely raised his head. "Was everything a lie?" he asked weakly. "You were the first person to join my cause to unite Azmith. You stood by my side through every war. Was it all an act?"
"Oh, boohoo. Cry me a river." Zera kicked him to the ground and stomped on him.
Felgrand pointed his blade at Aeris and smirked. "How the mighty have fallen," he said. "What was it you used to say? Ah, yes—are you ready to repent?"
He crouched in front of the broken Aeris and whispered, "Death is too easy for someone like you. You made too many enemies, Aeris. And I'm not just talking about the Great Empires. A mutual friend wants to see you suffer a fate worse than death."
He leaned closer. "You'll live the rest of your existence in a prison where you'll never see the light of day again. I am sending you to the Void."
Felgrand grabbed Aeris by the collar and dragged him through the city. The cobbled streets were soaked in blood and ash. Soldiers, servants, and citizens watched in disbelief as their once-great king was hauled like a prisoner through his own capital.
"Behold your mighty Sovereign!" Felgrand shouted. "This is the man you once called king! Bow to your new ruler now!"
Some dropped to their knees in fear. Others wept. The city that once shone with pride now felt cold and hollow.
Felgrand stopped in the center square. He threw Aeris to the ground and drew a massive symbol across the cracked pavement with his blade. The lines glowed a sickly violet as ancient runes took shape, pulsing with forbidden power.
He tossed Aeris into the middle of the circle and spread his arms wide. "Let the world witness the end of an era!"
He began to chant in the lost tongue. "Oh great seeds of the Primordial of Nothingness… grant me a fraction of your power. Give my enemy a fate so cruel that even death would turn away…"
The ground trembled. The air grew heavy. The sky turned black. From above, a glowing line split open—a rift to the Void.
Felgrand looked down at Aeris. "Any last words, Sovereign?"
Aeris, barely able to lift his head, smiled faintly. "You'll regret not killing me." His voice grew stronger with each word. "I'll come back. I'll claw my way out of any prison, break through any realm. And when I return, Felgrand, I'll make you regret this day."
He turned his gaze to Zera. "And you… you treacherous, manipulative bitch. I'll tear your body apart limb by limb. And when I'm done, I'll follow your soul into the underworld and torment you for eternity."
The rift opened wider. Winds howled through the city as the pull grew stronger. Aeris's body rose slowly, his form swallowed by the spiraling darkness.
"Keep my throne warm," he said with a twisted grin. "When I wake, you better be ready to repent."
The rift snapped shut with a deafening boom. Aeris was gone.
Felgrand exhaled slowly and turned toward the golden throne at the far end of the plaza. Despite the destruction around it, the throne stood untouched. He walked toward it and sat down. His dream was finally real.
He had avenged his master. He had bested the most powerful Sovereign. Aeris's throne now belonged to him.
Yet, even in his triumph, Felgrand felt a shadow in his chest.
'What will happen if Aeris truly returns?'
He shook the thought away.
It didn't matter.
"Zathan is mine now."