Chapter 4 - The Puppet King
By the fourth night of King Adrian’s reign, the illusion of order had completely shattered.
The global financial markets tied to House Veyne collapsed overnight as mysterious black fog engulfed the northern ports. Ships were found drifting at sea, their crews drained of all life, leaving behind only hollow garments. The celestial barrier protecting the kingdom was fracturing, allowing unnatural cold to bleed into the realm.
In the throne room, Adrian sat rigid, his eyes wide and glassy. He was no longer speaking in his own voice. When he issued decrees, his words sounded like two voices overlapping—his own, and a deep, guttural rasp that seemed to rise from the depths of the earth.
Victoria stood at his right hand, looking less like a queen and more like a high priestess of an ancient cult.
"Bring the queen up from the vaults," Adrian commanded, his voice reverberating off the walls.
Torren stepped forward from the line of guards, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "Why? She is bound and weakened. Leave her in her cell."
"I did not ask for your opinion, brother," Adrian rasped, turning his hollow gaze onto Torren. The crown on his head bled black smoke that drifted down his neck. "Bring her to the subterranean altar. The final ritual must begin."
"What ritual?" Torren challenged, taking a bold step forward. "Look at yourself, Adrian! You're sick! The entire city is dying! Whatever Victoria convinced you to do, it's killing us!"
Victoria smiled coldly. "He is not sick, Torren. He is evolving. The Veyne bloodline was never meant to share power with the world. We were meant to devour it."
May you like
With a wave of her hand, four dark guardians—monstrous shadows clad in jagged armor—emerged from the stone walls. They seized Torren, disarming him instantly.
"Take him down to the ritual chamber as well," Victoria ordered smoothly. "And find Julian. It is time for the three brothers to fulfill their destiny."
