Andrey sighed, as if bored. "You see? Even now, Zelthar must choose." His gaze slid to the baby, cold and merciless. "A bloodline that should never have existed."
Jay clenched his fists until his nails cut into his palms. Blood dripped, unnoticed. The only thing he felt was the fury he was forcing down rage that, if released, would destroy everything, including the ones he loved.
Behind all the victory, this was the most dangerous battle of all.
Not a war against monsters. Not a clash between clans.
But one wrong step and everything would end.
The Emperor stepped forward.
His voice was calm, yet carried an authority that made the entire room tense. "Andrey," he said coldly, "before you die in the most pitiful way imaginable, tell me one thing. What did you expect to gain from all of this?"
Andrey's sword was still pressed to Liv's neck, yet his fingers trembled—not from fear of Jay, but from the Emperor's presence, standing before him like a final judge.
