Vadim PoV
The mindscape trembled violently, the dark waters churning like a living thing. Before any of us could steady ourselves, the darkness surged upward and yanked us down once more.
When the pull finally released us, we landed on another floating platform of black stone. This one felt colder, heavier, and thick with the scent of blood and steel.
In the center, surrounded by bloodied weapons stood Pa.
He was fully clad in dark, battle-worn plate armor, his gray eyes burning with a dangerous, feverish light. In his hands, he gripped a bronze gladius. The sword was a perfect replica of Aventine. But unlike the sorrowful version of Pa we had seen moments ago, this one radiated arrogance and fury.
His gaze locked onto Amelia.
"You," he snarled, voice distorted and thick with power. "The last of the royal blood. The monarchy that has poisoned Kuroriku for too long. If I kill you here, the line ends. The kingdom will finally be free."
