Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 225. Wicked IV (Patreon)

Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 225. Wicked IV

Rose's strength waned as her struggle ceased, her body sinking to her knees upon the cold, unforgiving floor. Despair etched deep lines upon her face, her eyes reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding before her. It was as if a shadow had descended upon her soul, snuffing out the flicker of hope that had sustained her throughout this harrowing ordeal. Beside her, Ophelia's anguish erupted in a torrent of screams and inconsolable sobs, her voice a poignant symphony of grief and disbelief.

Amidst the cacophony of despair, Artheur stood frozen, his mind grappling with the shocking reality before him. The weight of the unfolding tragedy settled heavily upon his shoulders, evoking a fierce anger within him. The flames of righteous indignation burned within his eyes as he addressed Ilex, his voice filled with a resolute fury.

"Prince Ilex!" Artheur's words rang out, the echoes reverberating through the hall. "Your actions are beyond reprehensible. You have sunk to the depths of disgrace!"

Ilex met Artheur's gaze with a chilling smile, his eyes dancing with a twisted delight in the face of the prince's condemnation. His voice dripped with venomous satisfaction as he responded to Artheur's accusation.

"Disgraceful? Artheur, you have no idea," Ilex taunted, his tone laced with perverse joy. "What you fail to comprehend is that I did this to him five years ago, and yet he still lives. That's precisely why I will ensure that he meets his final demise this time."

Ilex's sword swung through the air with chilling precision, severing Angel's head from his body in one swift, merciless stroke. A hush fell over the hall as the grotesque display unfolded before the horrified onlookers. Gasps of disbelief mingled with the collective screams of fear that echoed through the chamber, shattering the illusion of safety and plunging the atmosphere into a sinister abyss.

The guests, once adorned in finery and laughter, now wore expressions of shock and terror etched upon their faces. Their eyes widened, their mouths agape as they bore witness to the grotesque spectacle that had unfolded. Some averted their gaze, unable to withstand the horror that now stained their memories. Others clung to each other, seeking solace and protection within the arms of loved ones.

King Gervis, his face contorted with rage and disbelief, roared in fury. His voice reverberated through the hall, demanding an explanation for the atrocity that had just transpired. His eyes bore into Ilex, a mix of paternal concern and sheer outrage fueling his words.

"Ilex! Have you lost your mind?!" King Gervis bellowed, his voice a thunderous roar. His fists clenched at his sides, his entire frame quivering with an intensity that bespoke his wrath. "This act of brutality is unforgivable, even from my own son!"

But Ilex seemed unaffected by his father's admonishments. A twisted smile tugged at the corners of his lips, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent delight. The joyous tone in his voice dripped with sadistic satisfaction as he reveled in the chaos and pain he had wrought.

"Crazy? Father, you have no idea," Ilex chuckled, his voice laced with chilling nonchalance. "This, right here, is the best birthday present I could ever ask for. The culmination of my plans, the pinnacle of my power."

Rose's words of despair and confusion pierced the air, her tears flowed freely down her anguished face.

"I don't understand... Why would you do this to him?" Rose's voice wavered, the weight of her sorrow palpable in every word. "In the past, he willingly gave up his rights to the throne of Asteria. He had no aspirations for power, and yet you still chose to take his life..."

Ilex's eyes bore into Rose's, a cynical smirk curling upon his lips. He reveled in the emotional turmoil he had inflicted upon her, delighting in the pain etched across her features.

"Because five years ago, there was a foolish woman who tempted him to win a trivial hunting competition," Ilex taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He regarded Rose with a cold, contemptuous gaze. "You played an important part in his demise."

His callous words hung in the air, cutting through the already heavy atmosphere like a sharpened blade.