Chapter 2: Crimson Cradle
Jhorton scanned the surroundings and quickly realized—they had no chance of escaping. Kurtan, the strongest knight in the kingdom and the King’s right hand, finally drew his sword, and the murderous intent radiating off him made it painfully clear: he was going to kill everyone present—including the maids and the babies.
"What’s the meaning of this, Kurtan?!" Jhorton growled, his body flaring with a reddish aura of power. His right hand moved in a rapid chant, and in a flash of runes and light, a staff engraved with glowing symbols materialized in his palm.
"I’m just following His Majesty’s orders," Kurtan replied calmly, stepping toward the mage without a hint of hesitation. Fighting mages was nothing new to a knight of his caliber.
"Just because I failed to extract the prince’s Divine Frame doesn’t mean he’s hopeless! If I can bring him to the Grand Magus, he might—"
"The King’s word is final. Shut your mouth and let me do my job."
With that, Kurtan’s men surrounded the room—and the slaughter began.
"No! Please, I beg you—AAAH!"
"I’m just a butler! I swear I saw and heard nothing—KUAGH!"
"Spare me! I’ll leave—AGHK!"
The knights moved without hesitation, without mercy. Their blades tore through the helpless maids and butlers. A few tried to resist or flee, but in the tight confines of the birthing home, they were no match for battle-hardened killers.
"You want me?! Then take this!"