Cracks in the Armor

Darius sat in silence, staring out the window of Katherine’s room, his thoughts heavy with the weight of her words. The queen’s offer was a calculated gamble—a chance to unite the denizens and the clefts. Yet, the path ahead felt lined with thorns.

The door burst open, breaking his reverie. “Get away from her!” Lord Harrison roared, his voice venomous as he stormed into the room. “You filthy animal! If it weren’t for the queen, you’d already be dead!”

Darius struggled to his feet, his body weak from the strain of reactivating his powers. The energy he had wielded against the carnage bots had taken a toll, leaving him vulnerable.

“Brother, stop this!” Katherine stepped between them. “He’s still recovering!”

Harrison’s lip curled in disgust. “If he wants to recover, he can do it somewhere else. This isn’t his place!” He glared at Darius. “You think you’re a hero? To me, you’re nothing but a walking disaster—destroying everything in your path!”