"Move!"

Seraphina's desperate cry echoed through the castle halls as she and Sir Elias carried Lucien toward the royal infirmary.

His breathing had become shallow.

Dark veins spread from the wound on his shoulder, creeping across his neck like black roots.

The royal physician was already waiting.

"Lay His Majesty down!"

Lucien was placed on a stone bed while the physician carefully cut away the torn fabric around the wound.

The room fell silent.

The old physician's face turned pale.

"This..."

He swallowed hard.

"...is Shadow Venom."

Seraphina frowned.

"Can you cure it?"

The physician lowered his head.

"There is no known cure."

The words struck her like a hammer....