A cruel, deep laugh echoed through the air, sending shivers down the spines of everyone who heard it. The sound seemed to seep into their bones, heavy and oppressive, as if mocking their every effort.
"How unpleasant it must feel," a voice boomed, dripping with malice, "to fail just before the moment of success."
Ivaim froze in place, standing inches from the glowing knife. His chest tightened as fear and awe battled within him.
The sinister power of the voice weighed on him, making his legs feel like lead. But it wasn't just fear holding him back—something darker stirred in his heart.
Betrayal.
The thoughts were not his own, yet they pulsed with a terrible intensity.
"Betray the trust they have placed on you..."
These whispers clawed at his mind, drowning out reason, stronger than his will.
