He hadn't intended to chastise the entire court so harshly, but it was necessary. Too many still clung to the illusion that they were untouchable simply because the Lord of Shadows stood among them.
They needed the truth to be remarked.
"You place too much faith in my power," Kai said, his voice lower now, not scolding, but solemn. "You believe I can win this war because of what I am. But listen well…"
He stepped down from the dais, his presence consuming the space with raw gravity.
"I will not be able to protect you for the rest of my life."
The hall was quiet. A single breath dared not rise.
"You all know what I am," he continued, eyes sweeping over them like a final warning. "One day, I will ascend. I won't die, but I will leave this world behind. I'll no longer walk among you. No longer bleed beside you in war. No longer stand between you and death."
His words struck like thunder.
"Don't live with the illusion that I'll always be here to shield you from everything."
