Chapter 11: The Ultimatum Rejected
Lucas stood in front of the newly completed Death Amphitheater, watching three figures walk toward the gates of the Night Crypt. Envoys from the Alliance of Light—clearly evident by the gleaming white armor they wore and the golden sun emblems on their chests.
"Just in time," Lucas said in a flat tone, but his black eyes gleamed with terrifying anticipation. "They have come to hear my answer."
Selena emerged from behind a stone pillar, her graceful movements making no sound at all. "My King, should I prepare a... special welcoming feast?"
Lucas raised his hand, signaling Selena to wait. "Let them come closer. I want to see their expressions when they realize this is no ordinary diplomacy."
The three envoys stopped in front of the main gates of the Night Crypt. The one in the middle, a blond man with steely blue eyes, stepped forward with a confidence that was about to shatter.
"I am Sir Gareth Lightbringer, envoy of the Alliance of Light," his voice echoed with practiced power.
"I come to accept the surrender of Lucas Nightveil’s territory."
Lucas laughed—a sound that sent the birds in the surrounding forest flying away in fear.
"Submission? Have you come to the wrong place, Sir Gareth?"
Sir Gareth’s eyes narrowed as he took in the new structures surrounding the Night Crypt. The Torture Altar emanating black smoke, the Slave Graveyard with its chains vibrating on their own, and the Death Amphitheater emanating a terrifying aura.
"What have you done?" Sir Gareth said, his voice beginning to lose its composure. "These structures... these are abominations."
Lucas stepped off the platform with a casual but deadly movement. "Abominations? This is art, Sir Gareth. The art of true power."