"Tell me. Was it worth it?"
I raised my hand slowly, watching Zharokath's broken form with a smile creeping across my face. The shadows around me began to stir, swirling as if they were alive, forming a small, protective shield that wrapped itself around my outstretched hand. The darkness pulsed with power, responding to my will as if it had always been mine to command.
"But still…" I said, my voice laced with amusement. "You know, it's quite ironic."
Zharokath's eyes followed the movement of my hand, and for a moment, confusion flickered across his face. I watched him carefully, waiting for the moment he'd realize. And when I saw that spark of recognition, I couldn't help but grin wider.
"Do these shadows feel familiar to you?" I asked, my voice soft, taunting. The words hung in the air, and I could see it—his body tensing, his eyes widening as the reality dawned on him.
