I staggered back, barely keeping my balance. The world spun before my eyes — the walls shook, the floor seemed to slip away beneath my feet, trying to pull me into the void. The air became too thick, viscous, and each breath was so difficult, as if I were trying to inhale molten metal into my lungs.
"N-no..." I exhaled hoarsely, feeling my voice tremble treacherously. "This can't be..."
Roger stood before me, still wearing the same calm smile. He held the duke's head as carefully as if it were truly a precious jewel, a work of art worthy of admiration.
"Isn't he beautiful?" the guy said quietly, his voice echoing around the room. "I tried to capture everything in him... everything you ever taught me."
I couldn't believe my ears. Every word that came out of his mouth seemed like pure madness.
"Roger... what have you... what have you done?" I asked, my voice trembling.
He tilted his head slightly to one side.
