Tenebris said, "You don't know—"
Lilith cut him off. "All I need to know is you were behind it all. My father's disappearance. His death. All of it! He helped you rise, and you repaid him by killing him!"
Tenebris shook his head. "I never wanted to. It wasn't a choice. Domr died of his own free will."
Lilith scoffed, her voice shaking with rage. "Rich of you to say that now.
Void Magic: Abyssal Gate — Chains!"
Dark chains erupted from the gate, flying toward Tenebris.
"Smoke Magic: Illusio Sociis!" Tenebris called out, and dozens of illusions formed around him. But as the chains struck, each illusion was shattered, one after another.
"Let me explain—" Tenebris tried again.
"No!" Lilith shouted. "No mercy!
Summon Holy Relic: Oculus of Dominance!"
A glowing orb appeared beside her, spinning ominously.
"Smoke Magic: Smoke Burst!" Tenebris cast, creating a thick smokescreen around him.
But the rain dampened its effect, thinning the smoke.
"You're not escaping!" Lilith snarled. "Oculus — Black Hole!"
The black hole formed instantly, sucking away all the remaining smoke in seconds.
"Lilith, listen—this isn't what you think!" Tenebris pleaded.
"I'll decide that after you're dead!"
"I tried to save Domr!"
"That's all you have to say? After everything he did for you? He gave you kindness. Trust. You don't deserve any of it. You deserve to die!"
Suddenly, Jewel appeared in a flash. "Lilith, stop!"
"I will—after I'm done killing this one!"
Jewel stepped forward. "He's your husband."
"Not anymore."
Lilith roared, "Void Magic: Abyssal Gate — Chain Spear Strike!"
Chains with sharp, spear-like ends shot toward Tenebris at deadly speed.
Jewel sighed. "Looks like words aren't working.
Light Magic: Flash Blade!"
A brilliant sword of light formed in his hand.
"Light Magic: Origin Flash — Rampage!"
Multiple swords of light burst forth, striking each of the chain spears mid-air. Every one of them shattered before reaching Tenebris.
Tenebris looked at Jewel. "You don't have to do this…"
"Shut up, dumbass," Jewel snapped. "I'm trying to stop my friend from making a decision she'll regret forever."
Lilith's eyes burned. "If you want to defend a traitor, then good luck.
Void Magic: Abyssal Gate — Strike!"
Jewel countered, "Lamp of Avior — Light Blast!"
The two massive attacks collided mid-air. An explosion followed — both spells canceled each other out perfectly.
Jewel gritted his teeth. I'm low on magic power…
Lilith smirked. "Good to see you took the bait.
Black Hole!"
The Oculus of Dominance floated in front of Tenebris — and then the black hole formed. Tenebris tried to dodge, but the gravitational pull was too strong.
It consumed his right arm, then his right leg. Part of his face vanished into nothing. Blood poured from his right eye as he crashed onto the ground near a boulder.
He lay slumped, barely breathing.
Lilith landed in front of him, her expression cold.
"Any last words?"
Tenebris gasped, "I'm sorry…"
Lilith hesitated. "Sorry… for what?"
Tenebris coughed, "I'm sorry I couldn't save Dad. It's all my fault…"
"What are you getting at?"
"Remember my dumbass family at the church?"
"…Yes. What's your point?"
Tenebris's voice was weak but clear. "I don't know how, but Elaar and the others got to them. Took them hostage. Then… I received a letter. It said they wanted Domr. When I checked the church, it was wrecked. No one was there."
He continued, "Elaar showed me they were still alive. I told Domr everything. The deal was… they'd release them if Domr went alone. That was the only way to save the kids… and Father."
Lilith fell to her knees. Tears poured down her face. "What have I done…? It was all my fault… I didn't know…"
Jewel landed beside her and slapped her across the face.
"You killed him," he said harshly. "So the least you can do is stop whining… and listen quietly to what he has to say."