Lucien screamed.

The Shadow Crown pressed against his head, sending waves of darkness through his body.

The throne room disappeared.

The castle disappeared.

Everything disappeared.

Lucien found himself standing in complete darkness.

Then he heard a voice.

"You finally understand."

Lucien turned.

The shadow stood behind him.

But it was no longer wearing his face.

It had become something far older.

Something without a human form.

"What are you?"

The creature smiled.

"I am the darkness that existed before your first king."

Lucien tightened his fists.

"You used me."

"No."

The creature stepped closer.

"You gave me what I needed."

Lucien looked down.

The black mark on his chest was...