~
"I am saddened by the fact that I will no longer exist in my own body after this..." Damian's voice softened, his gaze drifting, as if searching for words he hadn't spoken in years. "So I want to tell you something before I go..."
Alaric stood silently, watching Damian with intrigue.
"My family's downfall wasn't by chance," Damian continued. "It was orchestrated by Claudia's father and I knew it long before. He sought our wealth, our influence. My father trusted him as an ally, a business partner, but the man was ruthless. He sabotaged everything, forced our empire to crumble, and when my parents refused to yield... he made sure they never had the chance to fight back."
Alaric felt his chest tighten. "You mean he..."
Damian nodded grimly. "Yes. My parents were killed and later, I wa
