Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ninety-four

"You backstabbing, lying bastard." Victoria seethed.

The Emperor's laughter deepened, echoing off the stone walls like something ancient and triumphant.

"Such a shame," he said, eyes glinting with cruel satisfaction. "I can finally dispose of you-and nothing will stand in the way of my ascension now."

With a wave of his hand, the three were swallowed by swirling shadows and vanished without a trace.

"No!" Victoria's voice cracked. "What did you do to them?!"

The Emperor smiled, unbothered. "I simply placed them somewhere they can no longer meddle in matters above their reach. Now"-his gaze slid to her-"I can focus on you."

As he spoke, several black mages stepped out of the gloom, forming a tight ring around her and Damien, weapons already drawn.

"Let's move," he said as he began moving. Damien pushed Victoria forward; she stumbled and then continued walking, turning back to glare at Damien.

"I imagine you're dying to know why I'm doing all this," the Emperor said, his tone smug as he walked.

Victoria glared at his back. "No. I don't need your explanation. Nothing you say will justify endangering an entire realm."

He chuckled, low and bitter. "Easy for you to say. How would you feel if you were treated unfairly from the start and subjected to the mockery of others? You will be furious as well."

"Maybe I would," Victoria countered sharply, "but not enough to justify endangering the entire realm."

"That doesn't faze me in the slightest," the Emperor said, his tone turning colder. He stopped walking, turning just enough for her to see the twisted satisfaction in his eyes. "Because once I ascend, none of your opinions-none of your lives-will matter. You and your little rebellion will be nothing but footnotes in my rise."

He led her through a maze of winding corridors until they arrived at a chamber crowned with a glass-domed ceiling.

The moment the door creaked open, a heavy, oppressive aura washed over Victoria, thick enough to make her breath hitch. Inside, dozens of figures stood perfectly still-servants, guards, mages-all frozen like statues, their eyes hollow and vacant.

He spread his arms with a proud smile. "Do you like what I've done with the place? Everyone here is under my command. They bear my mark-my loyal followers. Each one will be rewarded during my ascension."

Victoria rolled her eyes, unimpressed.

He ignored her sarcasm entirely. "You know, there's still time to change sides. I could make you my general. Together, we could conquer the realm of the living and-"

"No." The word was cut from her lips instantly.

His smile vanished. "I gave you your chance," he said with a sigh, as if disappointed. "When the blood moon reaches its peak, the ritual begins. And by then..." He glanced at her with cold finality. "You'll be gone."

"I'll still defeat you," Victoria said, her voice steady despite the crushing darkness around her.

The emperor's laugh echoed through the chamber, cold and triumphant. "I'd enjoy watching you try."

A sharp shove sent her stumbling to the centre of the room. His shadows tightened around her ankles as he added, "When this is over, I'll keep your soul as a trophy-a symbol of my victory."

"I'm not afraid of you," she replied.

"You should be."

At his signal, the black mages stepped forward, weapons crackling with corrupted energy.