Taming the Empire's Cursed Villain
I needed to sever the plant to permanently cure Kaelen, but cutting it meant all the stored, corrupted magic would violently flood Elise's fragile body, tearing her apart from the inside.
Before the blade could make contact, a slow, mocking applause echoed from the dark entrance of the greenhouse.
"Bravo, Lady Aurelia. You truly have become a fascinating creature."
I spun around, my dagger raised.
Stepping out of the shadows, bathed in the sinister red light of the Lotus, was the Emperor himself. He was holding a golden staff that crackled with stolen, lethal magic, and his eyes burned with a maniacal greed.
"But I cannot let you touch my masterpiece," the Emperor smiled.