Chapter 118: The plant of life
"You speak of defiance as if you are above the laws of our kind," he said coldly. "You would claim dominion over what is not yours and exact vengeance against those under divine protection. Have you grown so arrogant, Dicaeus, that you forget the consequences of your actions?"
Dicaeus' jaw tightened. "And what of them? They have slain my kacoethes! That alone is—"
"Their right," Anos interrupted, voice edged with finality. "Your creation should never have been among them in the first place. You unleashed chaos upon the mortal world, and now you dare lament its destruction? Do not insult me with your hypocrisy."
Dicaeus flinched. He had expected outrage, but not such swift and undeniable condemnation. The weight of Anos' words struck deep, his very core thrumming with unease.
"Had Kaleeso not intervened," Anos continued, "you would have gone even further, twisting the threads of fate to your liking. And for what? Petty vengeance? Do you think yourself above judgment?"
Dicaeus pressed his lips into a thin line. He had no answer, nor could he muster an argument that would not sound like further defiance.
"Your transgressions are clear," Anos declared, lifting a hand that glowed with divine energy. "For your reckless interference, you will be punished."
The glow around his hand intensified, filling the chamber with golden light, swallowing the shadows whole. Dicaeus tensed, instinct screaming at him to resist, but he knew better than to fight against Anos' will.
Kaleeso watched silently, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. She had done her part, and now the rest was out of her hands.
Anos spoke the words of judgment, sealing Dicaeus' fate. The god of chaos could only grit his teeth as the weight of divine punishment crashed down upon him, shackling his power, binding his influence—leaving him helpless.
"From this moment forward, your realm, dominion, and powers shall be passed on to someone more deserving." Anos said. His eyes then scanned the room as if searching for someone before landing on a hooded figure who was prostrating not too far away from them.