Lysandra awoke with a gasp, the cold stone floor biting into her cheek. Disoriented, she blinked against the dim light filtering through the grimy window. Beside her, Hugh stirred, his brow furrowed in a silent scream.

  "Hugh," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Hugh, you must wake."

  He jolted upright, eyes wide with terror. "Lysandra! Where… where is Father?"

  Lysandra shook her head, the truth a bitter pill to swallow. "He will not be returning, Hugh. The serpent's kiss has claimed him."

  Hugh's face crumpled. "No… no, it can't be true!"

  "I saw it, Hugh. I saw the darkness consume him."

  Panic clawed at Hugh's throat. His father, King Beal Sigmund, a beacon of strength and justice, was gone. Vanquished by the very forces he swore to protect his kingdom from.

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  Lysandra knew they had to escape. Duskbane Tower, once a sanctuary, had become a cage. She helped Hugh to his feet, their movements swift and silent. They navigated the labyrinthine corridors, their breath catching in their throats at every creak of the ancient stone. Finally, they reached the hidden passage, the only escape route.

  Meanwhile, in Medina, the arrival of the royal party was met with a somber silence. Alaric Thalor, the king's most trusted advisor, disembarked from the ship, his face grim. He carried a heavy wooden chest, its contents a chilling secret.

  The cathedral, usually a place of solace, now hummed with a hushed unease. Alaric, his face pale and drawn, presented the chest to the High Priest. Inside, nestled amongst silken shrouds, lay the lifeless form of King Beal Sigmund.

  Modfrey Basil, the High Priest, stared at the king's lifeless face, his eyes filled with a chilling resolve. Alaric, meeting his gaze, offered a single, chilling word.

  "Done."

  "Yes," Modfrey replied, his voice a low growl. "It is done."

  He turned to the throne, a vacant space where the king should have sat. A chilling silence descended upon the cathedral.

  "Now what?" Alaric hissed, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Modfrey Basil, his eyes fixed on the empty throne, simply replied,

  "Now… we begin."

  End of Chapter One

  To be continued......