Back in the mansion, Lilithra's room was a scene of chaos. In a frenzy of emotions, she had thrown and broken various objects, the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood echoing through the corridors.

Her mind was a whirlpool of fear and confusion, the events of the night leaving her on edge. She had always prided herself on her composure, her ability to remain calm and collected in any situation.

But tonight had shaken her to the core.

The cold, calculating look in Axis's eyes, the same eyes she had once feared more than her mother's, haunted her thoughts.

It was as if the Axis of the past had resurfaced, bringing with him memories and fears she had long buried.

Her breathing was ragged, her hands trembling as she tried to steady herself. The fear that Axis might remember everything—everything they had done—was overwhelming.

She had to find a way to keep him in check, to prevent the resurgence of his former self.

"Lilithra, what are you doing?" a voice called from the doorway, jolting her out of her frantic state. It was a woman with dark blue hair and deep blue eyes, her eyes wide with concern.

"I... I just..." Lilithra stammered, unable to find the words.

"Calm down," Mathrilda said softly, stepping into the room and gently taking Lilithra's hands. "You're trembling."

"I can't... I can't let him remember," Lilithra whispered, her voice breaking.

Mathrilda's eyes narrowed slightly. "Remember what?"

"Everything," Lilithra replied, her voice a mere breath. "What we did... what he was..."

Mathrilda's expression hardened. "You need to stay composed, Lilithra. Panicking won't help."

"I know," Lilithra said, taking a deep breath. "I just... I didn't expect this."

"None of us did," Mathrilda admitted. "But we have to be careful. Axis most likely does not remember but just in case Axis does remember, we'll have to deal with it together."

"We have to make arrangements before the time comes."

Lilithra nodded, her resolve slowly returning. "You're right. We can't afford to lose our heads now."

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"Good. Now come, let's go meet Elyandra and discuss our next steps."

Meanwhile, Axis lay in his bed, his mind still buzzing with the day's events. The acquisition of the new skill, Cold Heart, felt fitting.

It was as if the System was preparing him for the events ahead, hardening his resolve, and sharpening his focus.

He knew he couldn't let his guard down. The encounter with the possessed bird had been a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows.

There were forces at play that he didn't fully understand, and he needed to be ready for whatever came next.

As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts remained sharp, his determination unwavering. Strangely, he felt disappointed.

'Am I feeling disappointed?' he pondered, the thought perplexing him.

'Why?'

'Is it because of this family?'

'It seems somewhere, in some part of me, I wanted a happy family…'

He would grow stronger, faster. He would uncover the secrets that lay hidden and coiling around him.

The night was still, the mansion quiet, but in the depths of the shadows, plans were being forged, alliances tested, and destinies intertwined.

The battle for power and survival was just beginning, and Axis was at the center of it all, a beacon of hope and a target of fear.

In the dimly lit castle, the figure continued to plot, their minds a labyrinth of schemes and strategies. The time was coming when they would have to face the Axis, and they intended to be ready. The game was afoot, and every move counted.

"Milord," another servant entered the room cautiously. "Our scouts report that the boy remains oblivious to our true intentions."

"Good," the figure replied, their eyes narrowing. "We must strike when he least expects it. Ensure that our preparations are flawless."

"Yes, milord," the servant said, bowing before retreating from the chamber.

The figure leaned back in their chair, a cruel smile playing on their lips. "Soon, Axis Archborn. Soon, you will know the true meaning of fear."

"You will fear me."

"Your fear will become nourishment…"

"Nourishment for the king to be born."

"Your body is a vessel."

"Your soul, a feast."

"And at the end…"

"The king will descend, leading us, and we shall rule the world," the figure said, their hoarse laugh filling the chamber. Suddenly, the air chilled, making the surroundings grow silent. The space cracked, revealing a shaky silhouette.

"Duscer…" The silhouette's voice was a chorus of many, each tone layered with a menacing force that brought Duscer to his knees instantly.

"Yes, my king…" Duscer wheezed, his breath labored.

"How are the preparations progressing?" the silhouette inquired, each word echoing with authority.

"There are no events that are beyond my king's expectations," Duscer replied, his voice trembling.

"Good. Continue as you have, and your wish shall be granted upon my descent," the silhouette declared.

"Thank you, my king…" Duscer whispered, his head bowed in reverence.

The oppressive pressure in the room lifted, and Duscer collapsed onto the stone floor, gasping for air. He wiped the sweat from his brow, relief flooding through him as the menacing presence faded.

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