When Austin came to his senses, a cold realization struck him.
The Parasite King didn't just kill—he absorbed memories from his victims. And after killing Sebastian, he must've seen everything. He would know who mattered to Austin.
And his next target? The friend closest to him.
Austin's heart sank. He turned and sprinted in the direction Rudolph had gone.
The artifact wasn't responding, so he stopped people along the way, asking—no, demanding—where they last saw him. Then he ran, faster than ever, toward the fortress where Rhea and the others were stationed.
Valerie followed, even though Austin had ordered her to stay at the front lines.
He couldn't stop her. Not when she knew the truth.
The General of the enemy forces was coming for Austin. And to Valerie, nothing mattered more than keeping him alive.
"They're heading north," she said, eyes locked on the dark sky where the draconic army moved in a blur.
They were fast—but not fast enough.
And then—Austin saw it.
