Realm Lord

The mood in the dormitory room hung heavy and oppressive. Arthur sat on his bed, eyes fixed on the floor, finding it nearly impossible to meet Luke's gaze. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably as the reality of their situation settled like a physical weight on their shoulders.

'What am I supposed to say to a dead man walking?' Arthur thought bitterly. 'Sorry your core formed first? Sorry you'll probably die before I even get to the second realm?' No words seemed adequate for the moment.

Finally, Luke broke the awkward silence. "I um... I'm gonna head to the Tether chambers now." His voice was quiet, resigned.

Arthur still couldn't look at him as Luke stood and made his way toward the door. But something inside him rebelled against letting his friend face this alone. Before Luke could leave, Arthur abruptly rose to his feet.

"Wait. I'll walk with you."

Luke paused, a grateful smile flickering briefly across his face. Arthur knew there wasn't much he could do for his friend, but at the very least, he could be there until the end.

They walked through the quiet hallways of the dormitory and across the sprawling campus grounds in silence. Unlike the uncomfortable quiet of their room, this silence felt... companionable. Two friends sharing their last moments together, words unnecessary.

Their peaceful journey was suddenly interrupted by the sound of shouting—excited voices coming from somewhere to their left. Arthur and Luke exchanged startled glances, looking toward the commotion to see a large crowd forming outside one of the main administrative buildings.

"What's going on?" Arthur wondered aloud.