Ryven stood far away, gripping his sword tightly.
His hands trembled.
"I had no choice…" he whispered.
Flashback—
The king's voice:
"Kill her… or we kill you… and everyone she loves."
Ryven closed his eyes.
"I chose the only way to save her…"
Because the blade—
Was not meant to kill.
It was meant to awaken the Crown fully.