Meanwhile, back at the castle, not one of Horace's comrades had returned to Demise.
The entire place felt strangely quiet—almost too quiet.
Alicia spent most of her hours with Iryza, whispering back and forth like two sisters who couldn't keep a secret if their lives depended on it. Tiasses visited the cemetery, leaving flowers and silent prayers for the fallen. Kai stayed with Xavier, strategizing and waiting for orders. Even Kraven remained unusually calm, pacing the hallways like a beast forced into patience.
But far away from that quiet tension, the true darkness stirred…
---
Place of Doom
Deep within the realm dripping with shadows and cold mist, Tiala sat on her throne—an elaborate seat carved from bones, obsidian, and wicked enchantments.
She wore a fitted black sleeveless gown, the fabric clinging to her like a second skin. Her long dark hair fell freely down her back, a river of pitch-black silk.
