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The combat was no longer the main focus, but the smell of smoke and blood still permeated the battlefield. One guy was left at the center of everything after Thornwood's fate was determined and its oppressors were either killed or taken prisoner.

Killian.

He was standing on the remains of the destroyed courtyard, his once-proud posture weakened by fatigue, despair glimmering in his eyes. His armor was in ruins, stained with blood and filth and dented. Once a representation of his power, his sword now hung pointlessly by his side, its blade tarnished and chipped. He had no supporters left to defend him, and there was no army behind him. He was completely, horribly alone.

Thalia stepped forward, her fingers wrapped around her dagger's hilt, her boots crunching on shattered stone. Even though Ryker's face was unreadable, his presence alone exuded strength. No one ventured to interfere, but their troops waited ready behind them. This was Thalia's moment.

With a strained breath, Killian's shoulders twisted up and down as his eyes found her. Something nearly human briefly appeared in his eyes—recognition, regret. Buried beneath layers of fear and conceit, however, it vanished just as quickly.

"You arrived," he squealed.

Thalia's expression was unreadable as she cocked her head. "I did, of course."

Killian looked from her to Ryker and swallowed. "You prevailed," he acknowledged in a raspy voice. "You own the city. The throne belongs to you. A hollow laugh escaped his lips. "I assume you have come to murder me now, don't you?"

Thalia took a while to respond. Seeking something, maybe a semblance of the man she had known, the man she had once mistakenly thought could change, she scrutinized him. However, all she saw was a shattered shell, a guy who had only ever been taught harshness and was now drowning in his own mistakes.

She moved in closer. "You're scared."

Killian sneered, but it was feeble and unpersuasive. "Are you scared?” “Of you?” He smirked against his will. "Thalia, I never feared you."

She didn't recoil. "Your first error was that."

His smile wavered.

With his golden eyes shining with silent menace, Ryker folded his arms. "You appear pitiful."

Killian gave him a stern look. "Ryker, don't use your judgment. You've killed men for less, as we both know.

Ryker's face remained unchanged. "The difference is that when I lose, I don't beg."

Killian winced.

Thalia took a deep breath and gripped her dagger more tightly. "Killian, you had so many opportunities. There were numerous opportunities to make a different decision. When you had the opportunity to be more than Astrid's puppet and more than a despot. However, you turned your back each time. on me. On Thornwood. On all that was ever important.

Killian tightened his jaw. "I—"

With a voice as keen as a dagger, Thalia interrupted him, saying, "You betrayed me." "Astrid poisoned me," you said. You ignored me as if I didn't exist. What are you anticipating now that you're standing here? Mercy?

Killian opened his mouth, but remained silent.

Thalia waited for a moment before moving forward once more. "Killian, look around you. There is no one remaining. Astrid has passed away. Orion loses. You have nothing.

His respiration became erratic. "Then stop it."

Though hardly audible beyond a whisper, the words had a weight that permeated the atmosphere.

Thalia observed him for a while. She might have been pleased to hear him say such things once. She may have once wished to see him shattered at her feet, begging.

Now, though?

Her head was cocked. "You believe that the worst thing I could do to you is death?"

Killian tensed.

Her lips pressed into a shadow of a smirk. "You never gave me enough credit."

She faced away from him.

Ryker arched an eyebrow but remained silent, moving aside as she passed him.

Killian's tone faltered. "Thalia."

She came to a stop without turning.

He shuddered and released his breath. "You can't simply leave me in this state."

With a deep sigh, Thalia looked at Ryker. He kept his eyes steady while he awaited her choice.

At last, she cocked her head slightly to glance over her shoulder at Killian.

"Long before I ever left you, you left me."

She then turned to go.

As reality sank in, Killian stood motionless, watching her back away, something rupturing inside of him. He had lost for the first time in his life.

And there was nobody to save him.

Then—

A gentle wind shook the deserted courtyard, and a slow, methodical set of footsteps sounded from the darkness.

Killian stiffened.

Thalia's and Ryker's instincts sharpened as they turned.

A figure wearing deep crimson armor with a hood covering most of their face appeared out of the smoke. They moved with a methodical, uncanny calmness, as though they had endless time.

Thalia's heartbeat accelerated. Something about this individual made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on edge, even though she had never seen them before.

With their head cocked ever so slightly, the figure halted a few steps away from Killian. Then they spoke in a silky smooth voice.

"All right, all right." There was a trace of laughter in their voice. How intriguingly disappointing you have become, Killian.

Killian had a bob in his throat. "Who—?"

The figure advanced a step. "You appear to be in need of... help."

Thalia's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

At last, she caught the figure's attention. Their lips curled into an unreadable smile, but their cowl covered most of their features.

"I find broken things to be kind of useful."

A chilly, unsettling quietness descended.

Thalia clenched the dagger between her fingers. Ryker changed his position slightly, as if he were prepared for anything.

But the figure remained still.

They just gave Killian a glance before reaching out.

"Should we talk about your future?"

Killian paused.

Afterward—he grabbed their hand.

Thalia gasped for air.

Ryker's face grew serious.

And just like that—Killian was no longer alone.