Story 782: A Fractured Grin

The Laughing Plague still lingered in Kruger’s veins. He could feel it gnawing at the edges of his sanity—a cruel, creeping hysteria that threatened to take hold. Every breath was a battle to remain in control.

Selene Nocturna stood across from him, the flickering alchemical light casting eerie shadows across her bloodstained face. Her grin was gone.

Kruger’s counterattack had surprised her.

But surprise wasn’t enough.

The silver smoke swirled, pushing back her necrotic aura, yet she did not retreat.

Instead, she tilted her head, eyes narrowing as she studied him.

"You’re more stubborn than I expected." Her voice was a mocking whisper, smooth yet crawling with venom. "But even the strongest minds crack."

Kruger adjusted his grip on his blade, ignoring the distant echoes of laughter in his head. He lunged.