And now, again. The lie to the goblin mages, the promise of safety for their families that he knew he could not guarantee. He was dooming his so-called friends, their futures, and their loved ones, once more to further his own goals.
The metallic taste of bile filled his mouth. His fingers trembled against his lips, stained with the invisible blood of those he'd condemned. The meticulous order of the room, moments ago a testament to his control, now seemed to mock him. The bubbling beakers, the glowing runes, the scattered scrolls – every element of his arcane mastery felt tainted, a monument to his ruthless ambition.
