The second Knight falls to Mira’s arrow through its visor.
The third breaks and runs—not away from the gem, but toward it, as if seeking protection. It reaches the platform, turns—
And Varek appears.
He doesn’t emerge from the gem or step from shadow. One moment the air is empty; the next, he’s there. The Hollow King in all his terrible glory, towering above the platform, his presence making the very air feel heavy.
“Enough,” he says.
The word ripples through the square. The shadow creatures freeze. The remaining Knight collapses, strings cut. Even the battle sounds around you seem to fade.
“You’ve done well,” Varek continues, his empty eyes fixed on you. “Better than I expected. The Knights were veterans of centuries. You killed two in minutes.” He sounds almost impressed. “The founders chose well when they created you.”
“They didn’t create me. They blessed me.”
“A distinction without difference.” He descends the platform steps, each footfall ringing like a funeral bell. “You carry their light. Their hope. Their futile dream of redemption.” He stops, just out of reach. “And like them, you will fail.”
Your allies form up around you. Mira’s bow is drawn. Theron’s blade is ready. Wren’s hands glow with green light.
“Maybe,” you say. “But we’ll fail fighting.”
“How… predictable.” Varek sighs. “I offer you the truth, and you cling to fantasy. I offer you power, and you clutch at weakness. I offer you eternity, and you choose death.”
“You offer slavery.”
“I offer understanding.” His voice softens. “The founders were my friends once. Did you know that? Before the Binding, before any of this. We dreamed together of a better world.” For just a moment, something almost human flickers in those empty eyes. “They betrayed that dream. And now… now I am what remains of it.”
“You’re what remains of their mistake. And we’re going to fix it.”
Varek’s laugh is like breaking glass.
“Then come. The gem awaits. Let us see if you are truly worthy of the founders’ legacy.”
He turns and walks into the gem’s light.
The barrier drops.