Sitting on a well-polished ornament throne that gleamed with intricate gold inlays and embedded jewels catching the flickering torchlight of the grand hall, Desirus had an imposing look on his face, his broad shoulders squared with unassailable authority.

He had pale skin that appeared almost ghostly under the warm glow of the flames, dark eyes that pierced like sharpened obsidian, with short curly black hair that framed his angular, commanding features.

On his right cheek was a scar cutting across it, a jagged line that spoke of violent encounters and added to his intimidating visage.

He wore a tight-fitted royal garment, one that was comfortable for battle, the fabric woven with reinforced threads that allowed seamless movement while providing subtle protection.

At his back were four swords, crossed around each other in a symmetrical display, their hilts adorned with runes that pulsed faintly with latent power.

In front of Desirus were chained men forced on their knees by his own warriors, their bodies battered and shackled with heavy irons that clanked against the stone floor.

Desirus stared at them intently, his gaze unyielding and cold, the hall silent for a prolonged while as tension built like a gathering storm.

"I expected the lot of you to pledge your allegiance to me.

That way you can keep your life.

But it seems you all have been stupid for too long to know when to change ships when the one you are in is already sinking," Desirus spoke deliberately.

His words were slow and audible, resonating through the vast chamber with calculated precision, ensuring everyone, from the chained prisoners to the armored guards could hear what he was saying, his voice carrying the weight of absolute rule.

"That's never going to happen.

We will forever be loyal to our one true king," one of the men kneeling down said as a matter of fact, his voice resolute despite the chains, his eyes still burning with an unquenchable will of defiance that refused to bow.

"Ah, yes.

Such brave words, as expected from you, General.

It's a shame though.

Your bravery not only decides your fate, but the fate of those that didn't take part in your decision making," Desirus replied calmly, not the least worried by the General's unshakable will, his pale lips curling into a faint, mocking smile.

He gestured his hand subtly, signifying one of the guards stationed at the large, ornate doors of the hall carved with scenes of conquest.

The guard nodded his head respectfully in understanding, pivoting sharply on his heel and leaving through the door with brisk efficiency.

"General, you see.

All I needed for you was to be on my side.

Then every bad blood we shared would have been quickly suspended, and we could have gone about our lives ruling this Nebula together," Desirus continued, his tone conversational yet laced with underlying venom.

"We need to build.

It's essential we build what has been destroyed.

You could have remained one of the pillars ensuring our glorious empire never fails.

But instead, you chose to betray me.

All I wanted was the little girl.

But you had to be foolish enough to help her escape," Desirus shook his head slowly in feigned disappointment, his dark eyes shifting toward the door with patient anticipation.

The guard that had left returned promptly, resuming his post with military precision.

Desirus motioned for him to come forward with a casual flick of his wrist.

The guard nodded his head once more in compliance, entering the hall with measured strides, dragging a heavy chain behind him that rattled ominously against the polished stone floor.

The chain was attached to a group of people, their forms being pulled into the torchlit chamber one by one, faces pale and drawn.

First came a young lady with auburn-colored hair that fell in tangled waves, her pale skin marred by dirt and bruises, her blue eyes filled with a quiet, defiant sorrow.

Her dress was once authentic and opulent, embroidered with fine threads that bespoke of royal craftsmanship, making one easily guess its expensive nature.

She was adorned with ornaments of various kinds, though now dulled and disheveled from her captivity.

The pretty dress though, was dirty and torn, proof of her relentless struggle and suffering under harsh treatment.

Behind the woman were two older people, their expressions etched with the endurance of age and hardship.

An old man with an imposing aura that persisted despite being bound, his silver hair unkempt and his broad frame unbowed in spirit.

And an old woman with an equally calm state of mind, her wrinkled features composed, despite the heavy chains that dragged at her frail form.

The chain extended further, binding three kids of close age groups, their age gaps not far from one another, small bodies shivering with fear amid the intimidating surroundings.

"Now, General.

Your actions of helping her escape out of your loyalty have caused you to betray your loyalty for those you love," Desirus said to the general, as those bound by chains were positioned in front of him like living trophies of his cruelty.

The general's eyes were wide open, shock etched profoundly on his rugged face, his breath hitching audibly.

He felt truly terrified and worried over what was going to happen, his heart racing like a caged beast.

"Please.

Let them go.

They have nothing to do with this! It's just me! I was the one that helped her escape, not them!" The general went into full panic mode, his voice rising in frantic urgency, scared of Desirus's malevolent intentions.

"Hah.

My dear General.

Your fault affects your family.

It always will.

A man that's lazy and never works places a burden on his family.

A hardworking and resourceful one grows his family.

While a general, your family enjoyed various benefits of your position and lived a luxurious life.

So as you can see, General, your decision affects your family.

And the last one you made is going to affect them greatly," Desirus said methodically, his eyes growing cold like frozen voids.

"She's going to be found.

It's only a matter of time.

The same way I found your family, I will also find Adalia, and when I do, you will be there to watch her die.

Afterward, you may die as well," Desirus said with chilling finality, his face bearing no ounce of remorse or sympathy etched on it, as impassive as a statue carved from ice.

"Start in a chronological order of how he met his family members.

His parents first.

Then his wife and lastly the children.

Ensure he watches every scene," Desirus commanded the guard impassively, his voice devoid of emotion.

The general was forced up to his feet by the guards, his chains clanking loudly as he was dragged closer to his family, positioned to witness their last moments as intimately as possible, the proximity amplifying his torment.

"I'm sorry.

I'm truly sorry.

I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

If I had known," the general broke into tears, his voice choking with profound anguish, the thought of losing his entire family shattering his ironclad will more effectively than any physical torture he had endured, sobs wracking his bound form.

"Do not lose yourself.

Remember who you are and wipe those tears.

I did not train a weak soldier as my child!" The old man said to the general sternly, calling him to order with a father's commanding authority, his voice steady and unyielding despite the chains.

"Hah.

Nice words from an old general.

Your mentality is as outstanding as ever," Desirus smiled faintly, acknowledging the defiance before signaling the guard to begin the grim ritual.

The guard unsheathed his sword with a sharp, metallic ring, forcing the old man down onto his knees upon an execution block stained dark with the blood of previous victims.

With one clean, merciless swing, he chopped off the head of the old man, the blade slicing through flesh and bone with ruthless precision, causing cries of sheer terror to pour from the terrified innocent kids and their mother, the sounds piercing the hall like anguished wails.

The old woman wore a pained expression on her lined face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she never shed a single one as she was placed next on the block, her composure a silent testament to her inner strength.

The general watched every member of his family executed before his unblinking eyes, his soul crushing under the unbearable weight of each merciless blow, the hall filled with the echoes of despair and the metallic tang of blood.

None was spared by Desirus, not even the children, their small, fragile forms falling lifeless in a display of utter, heartless cruelty that stained the stone floor.

The general gnashed his teeth in seething anger, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached, staring at Desirus with blazing fury and a bloodthirsty thirst for revenge that burned hotter than the hall's torches, his eyes promising untold retribution.

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