The Patriarch's grip on Alion's throat was tight, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and twisted satisfaction. As he dragged Alion down the dimly lit corridor, Alion's weakened body stumbled along, his steps faltering but his spirit unwavering.
They emerged into a large chamber, its walls adorned with grotesque trophies and eerie artefacts. In the centre of the room, a circular platform was surrounded by a throng of the Nether Blood Clan's members, their eyes gleaming with sadistic anticipation. Torches flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced around the chamber.
As Alion was pushed onto the platform, chains rattling and clinking with each movement, a sense of eeriness settled over him.
As Alion was placed on the platform, more chains came out of the platform, connecting with the chains that were around Alion already.
The platform started moving on its own, leaving the Palace. Moving rapidly, it appeared in the centre of the City, with open surroundings.
Strangely, the spectators were already in place, as if they were informed that a traitor was going to be killed in the open.
Many members of the Three Nether Clans were around the platform, most of them looking at Alion with hatred.
The Patriarch's voice reverberated through the surroundings, his words carrying an air of finality.
"Behold, the traitor who dared defy the Nether Blood Clan! Today, he shall face the ultimate punishment, a fate worse than death itself."
Alion's eyes scanned the faces in the crowd, his gaze locking onto Cylix and Novius standing amidst the observers. His pupils shrunk as he quickly shifted his gaze.
In his mind, he was cursing those idiots for arriving at this place that was most dangerous for them. Fortunately Zena and the Holy Priestess of Darkness weren't with them.
Still, he felt uncomfortable to see them there. It meant they had left Zena with the Holy Priestess of Darkness and arrived here to save him, which was beyond his expectations.
He didn't want them to do it. If anything, he was cursing them in his mind.
He kept hoping that they weren't going to interfere even if he was to die a gruesome death. Not only could they not save him, but they were going to get caught instead, and he didn't want that. One death was better than three. Zena also needed them.
Their eyes held a mixture of despair and determination, and Alion could sense their guilt over his predicament.
The Patriarch raised his hand, and from the shadows emerged a cage. Inside it writhed a mass of grotesque, insect-like creatures, their translucent bodies shimmering in the torchlight. Alion's heart quickened, but he refused to show fear.
The Patriarch's grin widened, savouring the moment. "Alion, you have one last chance to save yourself from this torment. Tell me where the other prisoners are hiding, and I might grant you a quicker death."
Alion's voice was hoarse but resolute. "You won't break me. Do what you must."
The Patriarch's amusement turned to rage, and with a wave of his hand, the cage opened. The soul devouring bugs spilled out, their chittering creating a sickening symphony. They crawled toward Alion, their sharp mandibles clicking with hunger.
As the first bug approached, Alion closed his eyes briefly, remembering Zena's smile, Cylix and Novius' unwavering friendship, and the hope they represented.
He steeled himself, ignoring the searing pain as the bugs latched onto his skin, their ethereal forms causing agony that defied description.
But Alion's thoughts weren't on the pain; they were on those he cared about. He thought of the bond they shared, the sacrifices they'd made, and the hope that burned within them.
He let the pain wash over him, his consciousness teetering on the edge as the bugs devoured his essence.
Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from his chest, pushing the bugs back. The light expanded, engulfing him in a cocoon of radiance. Gasps and murmurs filled the chamber as the bugs were obliterated, their malevolent existence erased by the surge of energy.
When the light subsided, Alion stood transformed. His body emanated an ethereal glow, and his eyes held an otherworldly fire. The chains that had bound him shattered, falling away like dust.
Cylix and Novius, both were stunned at the sudden change. In an instant, Alion's aura had changed as if someone had helped him. But who? That was the question.
The Patriarch's fury turned to surprise, his control over the situation slipping through his fingers. He could see that a foreign power had interfered.
Not only was Alion healed, but his strength had recovered, which should've been impossible in a place like the Nether Realm. Someone was clearly transferring their strength to him.
Novius and Alion exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of confusion. The mysterious intervention had bought them an unexpected opportunity to turn the tide in their favour.
As they were confused, they saw a portal open next to Alion. From the portal, a man stepped out, making both of them shocked. The person had a divine aura around him and his strength was second to none.
Both of them could feel an aura like never before. That aura even surpassed the Patriarch's aura.
Even the Patriarch of the Nether Realm was taken aback, sensing the strange aura around Karyk which made him feel uncomfortable as well.
Karyk didn't even face the Patriarch after coming out of the Portal. Instead, he gazed at Alion, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness as he noticed Alion's bloody clothes and his physical condition.
Fortunately, his body was slowly healing and appearing less grotesque than before. Karyk's heart ached for Alion, his dear friend who had fought valiantly by his side.
"I am sorry for being late," Karyk spoke, his voice tinged with genuine remorse. "I wish I could have been here sooner to protect you from harm."
Alion smiled weakly, his voice barely audible. "No apologies needed, my friend. I knew the risks when we embarked on this journey. It's a relief to see you safe."
