Broken Bonds: Issei's Rise "

chapter 29: going back home

Thaloc's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as he gazed upon the figure before him, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and confusion. The resemblance to Issei was uncanny, from the black hair to the piercing red eyes that seemed to bore into his very soul. But there was something different about this figure, something dark and sinister that sent a shiver down Thaloc's spine.

As the figure spoke, his voice dripped with malice and contempt, his words echoing in the cavernous chamber with a chilling intensity. Thaloc felt a cold sweat break out across his brow as he listened to the figure's taunts, his mind reeling with the implications of what he was hearing.

"Hahahahahah," the figure laughed, his voice sending a chill down Thaloc's spine.

Izoru:Looks like that brother of mine, Issei, and Modred did a number on you, didn't they?

Thaloc's heart hammered in his chest as he struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before him. Was this figure truly Issei's brother, or was he something else entirely? The evil aura that emanated from him filled Thaloc with a sense of dread, his instincts screaming at him to flee before it was too late.

Izoru:How about this, Thaloc

the figure continued, his smirk sending a shiver down Thaloc's spine. "Join me."

Thaloc's mind raced as he weighed his options, the temptation of power warring with the fear that gripped his heart. Could he really trust this figure, this twisted reflection of Issei? Or was he walking straight into a trap from which there would be no escape?

But as he gazed into the figure's eyes, Thaloc saw something that sent a chill down his spine. It was a hunger, a hunger for power and domination that mirrored his own darkest desires. And in that moment, he knew that he had found a kindred spirit, someone who understood the depths of his ambition and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve it.

With a sense of resignation, Thaloc nodded slowly, his voice barely above a whisper as he uttered his acceptance. "I... I accept."

Izoru's grin widened into a sinister smirk as he listened to Thaloc's acceptance, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light that sent a chill down Thaloc's spine. "Well then," he said, his voice dripping with malice,

Izoru:just know this. You can do whatever you want with the resources I give you, but disrespect me or... do something I don't like...

He let the threat hang in the air, his words laced with a promise of unspeakable consequences for anyone foolish enough to cross him. Thaloc swallowed hard, feeling a cold sweat break out across his brow as he realized the true extent of the power he had just aligned himself with.

Izoru's smirk deepened as he settled back into his throne, his gaze never leaving Thaloc's trembling form.

Izoru:Let me not ruin the surprise

he added cryptically, his voice sending a shiver down Thaloc's spine.

Thaloc nodded hastily, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement at the prospect of serving such a formidable master. He knew that he had made a deal with the devil himself, but the lure of power was too great to resist.

As he turned to leave, Thaloc couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew that he was now bound to Izoru, body and soul, and that there would be no turning back from the dark path he had chosen.

But as he glanced back at Izoru's smirking form, Thaloc felt a surge of determination course through him. He may have made a deal with the devil, but he would do whatever it took to emerge victorious in the end.