Chapter 44: THE SECOND ARTIFACT
The creature wearing his father’s face took another step forward, leaving behind footprints of viscous black ichor that sizzled against the ancient stone. The wounds that had killed Darius Nightblade twenty years ago gaped fresh and wet—a sword thrust through the chest, a half-severed neck still dripping blood, and empty eye sockets where Azurehall soldiers had taken their trophies.
"My son," it spoke again, voice vibrating with unnatural harmonics. "You’ve grown powerful. Just as I always knew you would."
Reed’s grip tightened around his obsidian blade, the weapon humming in resonance with his blue fragment. Behind him, he sensed Shia’s tension, felt Vex and Kalia’s horrified fascination at the abomination before them.
"You’re not my father," Reed said, his voice steady despite the tremor in his chest. "My father died with dignity. You’re just wearing his corpse like a costume."
The thing’s ruined face twisted into an approximation of a smile, revealing teeth that elongated into needle-points as it spoke. "But I have his memories, Reed. I remember teaching you to hold a blade when you were barely tall enough to lift it. I remember the prayers your mother made you recite before bed—prayers to gods that abandoned us both."
Reed felt the truth in those words like a knife between his ribs. This creature had somehow accessed memories that only his father could possess. The fragment at his side pulsed in warning, sensing his momentary doubt.
"The final trial," Shia whispered behind him. "The temple has been inside your mind since we entered. It knows exactly what form would cause you the most pain."
The crimson fragment floated between Reed and the creature, its glow intensifying whenever the false Darius moved closer to it. Whatever this entity was, it served as the final barrier between Reed and his prize.
"You seek power," the thing said, gesturing toward the hovering fragment. "Just as I did. The Nightblade ambition—always reaching beyond our grasp."
It took another step forward, and Reed noticed how the stone floor blackened beneath its feet, as if its very existence corrupted the material world.
"What do you mean?" Reed asked, buying time as he assessed his options. Direct combat seemed inevitable, but he needed to understand what he faced.