Reincarnated in a novel: I am the villain!

[The Royal Plaza]

"The Master does not tolerate failure."

The Cultist’s voice was a dry rattle that cut through the noise of the riot.

Regent Thrain, kneeling on the marble steps, looked up at the hooded figure in horror.

"Wait! No! I am the Regent! I gave you the city! I gave you the forges!"

"You gave us scraps," the Cultist sneered. He raised a hand wreathed in green necrotic fire.

"And now, you will give us... your life!."

SQUELCH.

The Cultist plunged his hand into Thrain’s chest.

There was no blood. Thrain screamed, a sound that morphed into a gurgle as his body began to wither.

His skin turned grey, then black. His life force, his mana, and his soul were ripped out in a violent stream of purple energy.

"Sacrifice Accepted."