Chapter 73: Bloodcrown II

The figure inclined his head slightly. "I am what remains of him. You seek my legacy?"

Freya straightened her posture, meeting his gaze. "I do."

Altheron circled her slowly, his presence unnerving but strangely compelling. "You carry life within you. Flames that destroy and restore. Yet you stand before me, seeking the power of death." He paused, his head tilting as though considering her. "Why?"

Freya hesitated, then spoke with conviction. "Because I want to protect the people I care about. Life and death are two sides of the same coin, aren't they? If I can wield both, I can make sure the ones I love survive."

Altheron stopped, his expression unreadable. "A noble sentiment. But power comes with cost. Are you prepared to pay it?"

Freya clenched her fists. "If it means I can stand beside him—if it means I can be strong enough to help him—then yes, I'll pay it."