"Helene, listen to me carefully."
Many years ago…
In a dark chamber, the elderly woman sat in a chair, her face devoid of any color and her eyes distant.
Berger glanced at her coldly and continued, "For the crimes you've committed, for the trust that you've betrayed, I should kill you a hundred times over."
The gnome's indifferent voice echoed in Helene's ears, causing her to shudder in fear.
"But I will give you a chance to redeem yourself."
Helene's eyes trembled, flickering with a faint ray of hope.
She raised her head and gazed at the gnome standing before her, shrouded in drifting smoke.
"Berger, you—"
The gnome cut her off.
"There will come a time in the future when the boy will require your assistance," he said calmly. "When the time comes… redeem yourself, Helene."
The elderly woman's lips quivered.
Berger continued, "Death is the easy way out. I will not grant you that luxury. You will live, and you will repent."
