Chapter 14 - The Blood Crest

Bleeding heavily, Torren gripped Vance’s wrists and forced the daggers out of his ribs. With a final surge of strength, he threw the traitorous duke across the room.
"Adrian... get Mother out of here!" Torren choked out, clutching his side as dark poison began to seep into his veins.
"I am not leaving you behind again!" Adrian bellowed. He charged forward, his blade igniting with brilliant sunfire as he engaged the corrupt lords.
Eleanor rushed to Torren’s side, kneeling over her wounded son. She placed her glowing hand on his chest, but the black poison resisted her light. It was Void corruption—a poison designed specifically to kill celestial beings.
"Mother... my crest..." Torren whispered weakly.
Eleanor looked at his chest. His crest was flickering violently.
"Listen to me, my children," Eleanor said, her voice filled with desperate resolve. "The Void Matriarch feeds on betrayal and doubt. The only way to cleanse this poison is through the Blood Oath of Veyne—a magic that requires absolute trust."
Julian ran over, kneeling beside them. "Tell us what to do, Mother!"
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"You must share your life forces directly," Eleanor explained. "If one falters, all three die. Do you trust each other enough to bind your souls forever?"
Adrian stepped back into the circle, wiping blood from his forehead. He looked at Torren and Julian, then lowered his sword. "I gave my life to save this kingdom once, and I will give it a thousand times for my brothers."