Duncan stood over Arachne, his bones still wrapped around her body. He was panting with exhaustion, but he knew he couldn't let his guard down yet.
"Who is Rectale?" Duncan demanded, his eyes locked on Arachne's.
Arachne smiled, a sly glint in her eye. "You'll never stop him," she said. "He's too powerful."
Duncan's eyes narrowed. "I'll never give up," he said. "Tell me who Rectale is."
Arachne laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Rectale is the one who has been manipulating everything from the shadows," she said. "He's the one who has been using me, using all of us, to further his own plans."
Duncan's eyes widened in shock. "What plans?" he asked.
Arachne's smile grew wider. "Rectale's plan is to take over the entire kingdom," she said. "He's been secretly gathering an army, using his wealth and influence to buy loyalty and support."
Duncan's eyes narrowed. "We'll never let that happen," he said.
Arachne laughed again. "You're too late," she said. "Rectale's plan is already in motion. His army is marching on the kingdom as we speak."
Duncan's heart sank. He knew that they had to act fast, or risk losing everything.
"We have to stop him," Duncan said, his eyes locked on Kaidën and Lyra.
Kaidën nodded, his sword still clutched in his hand. "We're with you, Duncan," he said.
Lyra nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll stop Rectale, no matter what it takes."
Duncan's eyes narrowed. "Let's go," he said.
The three of them turned to leave, but Arachne's voice stopped them.
"Wait," she said. "There's something else you should know."
Duncan turned back to her, his eyes narrowing. "What is it?" he asked.
Arachne's smile grew wider. "Rectale is not what he seems," she said. "He's been hiding a dark secret, one that could change everything."
Duncan's eyes widened in surprise. "What secret?" he asked.
Arachne's smile grew wider. "Rectale is not human," she said. "He's a monster, a creature of dark magic."
Duncan's eyes narrowed. "We'll stop him, no matter what he is," he said.
Arachne laughed again. "You're brave, Duncan," she said. "But you're also foolish. You have no idea what you're up against."
Duncan's eyes locked on Arachne's. "We'll see about that," he said.
With that, Duncan, Kaidën, and Lyra turned and left, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As they emerged from the ship, they were greeted by the sight of Ryker, who was waiting for them with a look of concern on his face.
"What's wrong?" Duncan asked, his eyes narrowing.
Ryker's expression turned grim. "I've been monitoring the kingdom's communications," he said. "Rectale's army is closing in on the kingdom. We have to act fast."
Duncan.