Brian felt a sharp ache in his chest—a deep, gnawing pain of betrayal that dug deeper than any wound he'd suffered in battle. But he forced himself to swallow it. Now wasn't the time to mourn lost hopes or broken loyalties. He inhaled deeply, composing his shaking emotions as he stepped away from Elizabeth, returning to his guildmates. The decision he made in that instant—a simple but powerful act—spoke louder than any words. He had chosen his side.
"So, you've made your choice," Augustus said darkly, his expression hardening. The air around him grew heavy, thick with an unnatural energy. His eyes—normally cold—darkened even further, taking on a sinister glow.
In an instant, waves of shadow slaves stormed into the courtroom. Their footsteps echoed like drums of doom, their black forms slithering and gliding as they surrounded the members of Twilight Guild in an ever-tightening circle.
