The betrayal stung, but Marco didn't let it break his resolve. He had trusted Rico, considered him an ally, but now it was clear that the Blood Queen's hold was stronger than he had imagined.
Rico, under the Blood Queen's spell, watched Marco with a cold, detached gaze. He was no longer the friend Marco knew. He was a puppet under the Blood Queen's control.
The Blood Queen reveled in her victory. She had Marco cornered, his plans revealed, his allies turned against him. But she underestimated him. She underestimated the strength of Marco's resolve.
Marco stood tall, his eyes blazing with determination. He was alone, but he was not defeated. He was Marco, the protector of Lumina, and he would fight till his last breath.