(A coward sits the throne, while the warrior lurks in the shadows)

  The stranger lifted the shattered body of Lyria in his arms, carrying her gently through the woods — toward the walls of Snowsoul.

  He passed straight through the guards, past their stunned faces.

  A black cloak, a lowered hood, a girl wrapped in a bloodstained blanket.

  He entered the throne room without asking.

  Walked right up to King Gridger, dropped the blanket at his feet.

  Inside it — the girl. Still breathing. Still broken.

  King Gridger:

  “What happened?!”

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  Stranger:

  “Rape. Of the innocent. Of the helpless.”

  King Gridger (pointing at the blanket):

  “Get this disgrace out of my sight!”

  King Gridger:

  “And you — stranger — why the hell would you save her?”

  Stranger:

  “Because as long as cowards like you exist, men like me will have to shield the innocent. Since you can’t seem to do it yourself.”

  King Gridger:

  “How dare you, you son of a bitch?”

  Stranger:

  “I dare because I see right through you —

  You’re just another coward playing king,

  Trying to act tough in a world you can’t handle.”

  King Gridger:

  “Brave words, fool. Let’s see what you say when you’re in chains.”

  (he nods at the guards)

  They move.

  Big mistake.

  Two heartbeats later — they’re both choking on their own blood, throats slashed wide open.

  Their weapons never even left the sheath.

  King Gridger:

  “What the…?!”

  Stranger:

  “You really thought you had the right to shackle me, dumbass?”

  King Gridger:

  “What are you?”

  Stranger:

  “I’m the one you already fear… but just haven’t admitted it yet.

  Start digging your grave, Gridger —

  Next time you act like a king, make sure you’re not a fucking joke.”

  He pulled down his hood.

  Beneath it — a man too perfect to be real.

  Chiseled jaw. Eyes like a god.

  A warrior so intimidating, Gridger mentally pissed himself.

  But the idiot didn’t learn.

  He summoned his top assassins —

  Gave the order: “Find him. Kill him. Bring me his head.”

  What he didn’t know…

  Was that this moment would go down

  as the single biggest mistake

  of his pathetic little life.