Before Ziues could react, his growth halted abruptly. He began to shrink back to his normal size, his body trembling as it reverted. Suddenly, a sharp pain seared through his neck, and he felt his head leave his shoulders. The Demon King held Ziues's head aloft by his hair, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as Ziues's body floated away helplessly.
"I did warn you that I would put you on a pike, didn't I? Though I think keeping you alive a little longer will be fun," the Demon King smirked, his voice dripping with sadistic glee.
"Damn you!" Ziues cried out, his voice weak and desperate. "This wasn't how things were supposed to go!"
"Fortune favors the one who plans ahead and doesn't indulge in their food. Now, silence," the Demon King stated, casting a dark energy around Ziues's head. The energy seeped into Ziues's eyes, making them go pale as death seemed to wrap around his face, a cold numbness spreading through his mind.
