Inside the king's chamber, Gabriel froze.
His body would not listen. It felt as if a giant had appeared behind him, and an invisible mountain had dropped on his shoulders. The pressure was so heavy that even breathing became difficult.
Cold sweat rolled down his temple. His mind spun violently, and for a brief moment, the presence behind him reminded him of Sutre. That same helpless feeling returned, the same crushing difference that made everything else feel meaningless.
Gabriel's teeth clenched. Just standing here made his insides tremble. A moment later, blood rose into his throat, and a thin stream spilled from the corner of his mouth onto the floor.
He wanted to move.
...He really did.
But his limbs felt nailed in place, and even his fingers only twitched slightly. His Undead Heart was trying to keep him stable, yet this time even that terrifying passive skill was being overwhelmed.
The king still had not spoken.
