The Executioner roared as Kaelen's staff struck true, its ironwood shaft glowing with forbidden runes. The impact drove the monstrous figure back, splitting the floor in a jagged scar. Yet the being did not fall. From the wound spilled not blood, but shadows—tendrils of void-born essence that writhed like serpents across the marble.
Arcturus seized the opening. His spear became a line of fire, thrusting forward, piercing into the rent helm. The Executioner staggered, head snapping back as light and darkness collided within his hollow form.
But the Court was no longer a place of judgment—it had become a crucible.
Columns toppled, walls cracked, and the vast dome above split open, letting stormwinds scream into the chamber. Lightning cut through the torn ceiling, illuminating three silhouettes locked in a struggle that shook the bones of the world.
Kaelen pressed forward, his voice a growl as he forced forbidden energy through his veins. "You wear the mask of justice, Executioner, but I see it for what it is—control, chains upon chains, forged to keep men docile."
The Executioner's hollow voice answered, deeper now, a thousand voices in one:
"Chains give order. Chains give meaning. Without them, there is only ruin."
Arcturus snarled, driving his spear with both hands. "Then let there be ruin!"
The Executioner caught the spear in his clawed hand, shadows hardening into armor. He twisted, flinging Arcturus across the court like a ragdoll. The knight struck a column and slumped to the ground, breathless, blood spilling from his temple.
Kaelen alone remained standing.
The old sorcerer straightened, staff trembling in his grasp. His blood dripped onto the marble, but his eyes never dimmed. The Court watched in silence now—lords and dignitaries cowering at the edges, too afraid to intervene, too bound by their own cowardice.
Kaelen raised his staff. Runes blazed across its surface, brighter than any sun.
"I was cast out for reaching too deep into forbidden truths. But tell me, Executioner—" His voice cracked like thunder. "—who decided they were forbidden? The Sovereigns? You? Or the same hollow chains you now cling to?"
The Executioner surged forward, blade sweeping in a black arc that promised finality.
Kaelen met it head-on.
Staff and sword collided with a detonation that shattered the last standing pillars. A shockwave tore through the chamber, hurling men and banners alike against the walls. The very foundations of the Sovereign Court groaned as the ancient runes carved into its stones flickered, failing.
Through it all, Kaelen did not falter. His staff locked against the blade, his crimson aura burning like wildfire. His voice rang clear, carrying over the cacophony:
"No more chains."
The Executioner's blade cracked.
Shadows screamed as light burst forth, swallowing the chamber in brilliance.
And for the first time in centuries, the Sovereign Court trembled not with judgment, but with fear.