Chapter 64: The Puppet Master’s Gambit

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The Illusion of Betrayal

Lucian stood tall, his golden-black wings spreading majestically, his sword gleaming with celestial and abyssal power.

Annalise, gripping her bloodstained sword, felt a chill crawl up her spine.

Lucian wasn't surprised.

He wasn't even angry.

Instead, he smirked.

"Did you really think I wouldn't know, Annalise?"

Her breath hitched.

"What…?"

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The Plan That Never Existed

Lucian's eyes gleamed as the System's voice echoed in his mind.

[Mission Complete: Manipulate Annalise's Betrayal]

[Rewards Granted: Shadow of the Fallen Lord (Allows controlling chosen events)]

Lucian took a step forward.

"From the moment you remembered our past, I knew you'd try to kill me. And so…"

He raised his hand.

A golden sigil burned into the air—one with Annalise's own celestial energy.

Her pupils contracted.

"This is…"

"A Heavenly Oath," Lucian finished. "Signed by you."

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Annalise's Shock

She staggered back.

Memories flooded her mind—of a past that never happened.

She saw herself swearing loyalty to Lucian.

She saw herself pledging to protect him from the Heavens.

But… she had never done that. Had she?

Lucian chuckled.

"Your memories have been rewritten, Annalise. The past you thought was real? I controlled that too."

Her mind spiraled into chaos.

Had she ever been against him…?

Or had she always been his from the beginning?

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