Chapter 44: I believe you
The Baron stared in horror as his son, Lucas, collapsed to his knees, bleeding from dozens of shallow cuts inflicted by Adam’s blindingly fast sword movements.
"Lucas!" the Baron screamed, raw terror in his voice. He instinctively started to stumble forward down the ruined steps, wanting to reach his injured son.
But then, his gaze snapped back to Adam, who was now standing calmly beside the kneeling Lucas, the sword resting lightly on his shoulder again. Those empty white eyes fixed on the Baron, stopping him cold. The Baron froze mid-step, paralyzed by fear.
Adam began walking towards the Baron again, his footsteps slow and deliberate on the debris-covered marble. He stopped just a few feet away from the trembling nobleman. The sword remained on his shoulder, a casual but deadly threat.
"Tell me," Adam said, his voice low and quiet, yet carrying an immense weight that seemed to press down on everyone present.
"Where are this girl’s parents?" He didn’t need to gesture towards Alina; the Baron knew exactly who he meant.
Hearing the question, the Baron started shaking violently. His face was pale, slick with sweat despite the cool air.
"I... I told you," he stammered, his voice cracking, barely audible. "I already told you... I... I had them killed." He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for the inevitable.
Adam continued his slow advance, closing the remaining distance until he stood directly in front of the terrified Baron.
He looked down at the nobleman, his empty white eyes seeming to pierce right through him. "I believed your words," Adam said softly, his voice almost gentle, which somehow made it even more terrifying.
And then, Adam vanished.