Liam lay at Nyx’s feet, bound in chains of living shadow, the very essence of darkness coiling around his limbs like serpents eager to strike. His breath was ragged, his face streaked with blood and grime. Once, he had been the beacon of this city—a symbol of light, of sacrifice. Now, he was nothing more than a man undone by his own choices.

Nyx knelt beside him, letting the shadows drag Liam’s face upward so he was forced to meet Nyx’s gaze. “Tell me,” Nyx murmured, voice a whisper in the dim chamber. “Was it worth it?”

Liam’s eyes, still defiant, flickered past Nyx, searching. Searching for you. Nyx didn’t need to look to know you were there.

A slow smile curved Nyx’s lips. “Ah. You’re wondering if she will show you mercy.” The words lingered, a cruel mockery of hope. “How fitting. You, who cast her aside for the ‘greater good,’ now pray for her kindness.”

The shadows tightened, pulling Liam forward just enough that Nyx could lower his voice, almost intimate. “But you see… mercy is a thing of the past. You made sure of that when you let her die in your arms.”

Nyx stood, letting the magic whisper through the room, dark tendrils caressing the stone walls like they, too, hungered for his suffering. “Now she stands with me. And you? You belong to her now.”

Nyx stepped back, watching the realization dawn in Liam’s weary eyes, the weight of his fate settling like a blade against his throat. Then, without another word, Nyx turned away. This was not Nyx’s moment.

It was yours.