The shadows flickered and danced across the stone walls of Lucius's chamber as I stepped through the heavy wooden door. My heart pounded in my chest, a staccato rhythm of defiance and dread.
Lucius lounged on an ornate throne, one leg draped casually over the armrest. His piercing red eyes glowed with sinister delight under the dim light of the torches. "Well, well, my darling Aurora. You've finally come to me of your own free will."
I gritted my teeth against the honeyed poison of his words. "This isn't about you, Lucius. I've come to end your twisted games once and for all."
He let out a mocking laugh and rose to his feet in a fluid motion. The torchlight caressed his pale, angular features as he prowled toward me. "So spirited. But you and I both know you can't defeat me, Aurora."
