The night had barely settled when Derrick's eyes flew open.
His chest heaved, and cold sweat soaked his skin. The room was still, but he could feel her presence, her haunting presence.
"You still think you can control everything?" came a voice like velvet soaked in venom.
He turned sharply, but the room was empty. His heart pounded. He clenched his fists.
"This is my time!" Derrick growled, but the voice laughed mockingly.
"You fool… You may gather your weapons, make your dark pacts, but you forget, I am Katherina.
I don't ask. I take." Her voice echoed through the corners of his mind.
Then she appeared, glowing, her eyes blazing red. The air thickened, and shadows danced wildly across the walls.
"You will be nothing but a shadow under my reign," she hissed.
Derrick shook his head and stood tall. "I bowed to no one before, and I will not start now."
Katherina took a step forward. "You are not strong enough alone. Even your sorcerers will betray you. The throne is mine."
