"Kneel."
Lord Mors's voice sliced through the silence.
Cardinal Peter, despite the ache in his bones and the despair clutching at his heart, stood firm. His hand gripped his Blessed Weapon, and his eyes, though weary, burned with defiance. Maria trembled beside him, her own fear giving way to anger as she mirrored the Cardinal's resolve.
Peter's voice cut the stillness. "Never."
Lord Mors chuckled, a low, resonant sound that sent chills down Maria's spine. "You cling to defiance like a drowning man to a stone. Admirable, but futile."
Peter took a deep breath, his grip tightening on the Holy Crystal hidden beneath his robes. He had never thought he would have to use it, not even in the direst of battles.
But this… this was beyond mortal strength. His thoughts turned briefly to the Saints Cult, to the faces of those he had sworn to protect.
He whispered a prayer under his breath.
"For the Saints. For humanity."
