Chapter 56
Ethan stared at the man seated before him, his twin void-like eyes calm and unreadable.
"You wish to be king?" he asked, his voice soft and smooth—neither loud nor whispering, but perfectly balanced. A sound that made even the most nervous of visitors feel strangely at ease.
Jack Balor nodded, the last prince of the Kingdom of Balor. "Yes. I want it."
Ethan tilted his head slightly. "And are you ready to pay the price?"
"I am."
"Are you sure?" Ethan's voice remained calm, but the air around them grew colder, heavier. "The burden of the throne is no light matter. Your chances are slim, and the consequences… great. Once you ascend, you will carry the weight of the crown until the end of your days."
He paused, fixing his unblinking gaze on Jack.
The prince flinched. But he didn't back down.
"Yes," Jack said firmly. "I am ready for everything."
Ethan nodded once, slowly. "Why do you wish to be king? Is it to rule wisely? To bring prosperity to your people?"
