The shadow moved closer to Segarus's desk, and the Patriarch actually recoiled slightly despite his attempts at composure.
"I made you what you are, Segarus. And I can unmake you just as easily. The choice is simple—eliminate Jolthar Kaezhlar soon, through whatever means you can arrange, or discover what happens when my patience with ineffective tools is exhausted."
"How much time do I have?" Segarus asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Not much," the shadow replied.
"Weeks, perhaps a month or two at most. Use your son-in-law's vendetta, use your connections in the capital and use whatever dark contracts you can arrange. But get it done. Because if Kaezhlar continues to grow unchecked, he will eventually become a threat not just to our plans but to forces far beyond your comprehension."
The presence began to fade, the darkness withdrawing and the temperature slowly returning to normal. But before it disappeared entirely, the shadow delivered one final warning.
