Valerian's severed head landed heavily upon the scorched, ruined earth, rolling slightly before coming to a grim stop.
A dark pool of blood quickly formed beneath it, staining the ground an eerie crimson. Yet, in those final moments, the vampire lord's gaze remained sharp, his lips curving into a cynical smile as all his previous panic vanished.
"Foolish brat," Valerian's voice emerged faintly yet mockingly, eyes glowing softly despite his gruesome state, "you truly decided to kill yourself along with me?"
Above, Orion staggered, gripping tightly onto the Realm Guardian Sword, feeling the burning agony spread mercilessly from his pierced heart.
The world seemed to fade at the edges of his vision, threatening to plunge him into darkness. Yet, amidst the pain and blurring senses, Orion maintained clarity, his mind racing rapidly. He refused to let Valerian's mocking words be the last thing he heard.
