Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Awakening

Chapter 25: Awakening

"Master, wake up!"

"Master!"

"My Lord!"

Axel's eyes snapped open, the world around him slowly coming back into focus. His head was pounding, and a wave of dizziness threatened to pull him back into the darkness. His body trembled, still reeling from whatever had just transpired. Yet, the scene before him quickly brought him to full awareness.

Velerium, his loyal spirit, was frantically shouting at him, but Axel didn't bother to register the words. His attention was riveted on the scene on the floor—a gruesome tableau of Captain Rowin and the others writhing in agony. They were struggling to breathe, their faces contorted with pain as they fought to maintain their balance. The poison was clearly working its way through their systems, its effects brutally apparent.

A few feet away, three figures emerged from the shadows, their presence sending a cold shiver down Axel's spine. His childhood bullies had found him once again.