Vaelthar burst into the room, his eyes widening in horror as he beheld his brothers clashing in a frenzy of steel and darkness. The sight of Vol'zerak's twisted face, contorted in a snarl, and Vyralthus's determined expression, etched with sorrow, would haunt him forever.
"Stop! Brothers, please!" Vaelthar screamed, rushing towards them, but his words fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the clash of steel and the sound of ripping flesh.
Vol'zerak, his eyes blazing with madness, suddenly turned on Vaelthar, sword raised, ready to strike. Vyralthus reacted instinctively, his sword flashing with dark energy, slicing through Vol'zerak's face, reducing it to a grotesque mosaic of flesh and bone.
The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two brothers. Vol'zerak's lifeless body crumpled to the floor, his eyes frozen in a permanent glare.
Vyralthus stood frozen, his chest heaving with anguish, his sword trembling in his hand. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed upon his brother's lifeless form.
"By the gods," Vaelthar whispered, his eyes filled with tears, "what have you done, brother?"
Vyralthus's face contorted, his sorrow overwhelming. "I had to, Vaelthar. He would have killed us all. He was consumed by his own madness. I didn't except to see the barbaric acts of humans into a demon!"
Vaelthar approached Vyralthus cautiously, embracing him tightly. "Comfort me, brother," Vyralthus begged, his voice cracking with emotion.
Together, they walked to Viraskas's chambers, the Demon King's severed head a grim reminder of the chaos that had engulfed their family. Vyralthus's guilt was palpable, weighing heavily on his shoulders.
"I don't know why, but it seems I was wrong," Vyralthus whispered, his voice barely audible. "Sometimes demons do the things similar to those humans. We're no better than they are."
Vaelthar's grip on Vyralthus's shoulder tightened. "You are not to blame, brother. Vol'zerak's madness consumed him. You acted to protect us."
Vyralthus's desperation grew, his eyes pleading. "Let me take this blame, Vaelthar. Let me die. I am unworthy. I have brought shame to our family."
Vaelthar's voice was firm, resolute. "No, brother. You are not to blame. You will not die. You will live, and you will learn from your mistakes. Leave the kingdom, explore the world. Find redemption."
Vyralthus's eyes searched Vaelthar's, seeking forgiveness. "And what of our empire?"
Vaelthar's smile was resolute. "I will rule, brother. I will ensure our people's prosperity. You have my word."
Vyralthus nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging in relief. "Then I will go. But promise me, Vaelthar, you will not forget me."
Vaelthar's tears flowed freely, his voice trembling. "I could never forget you, brother. You will always be in my heart. You are my brother, my friend, my family."
As Vyralthus departed, Vaelthar watched, his eyes heavy with sorrow. The kingdom's gates closed behind Vyralthus, the sound echoing through the empty halls.
Vaelthar's voice whispered on the wind. "Farewell, brother. May the world teach you wisdom. May you find peace."