IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 14: Wails of War

“Do not worry, Azai-sama. This way, he won’t try to harm you.”

The soft, trembling voice echoed in Subuhi’s ears as her gaze fixed on the scene before her. Angel knelt on the floor, her small frame battered, bruises blooming across her skin. Her yukata was torn, barely clinging to her trembling body.

And on Subuhi’s bed sat the crown prince. A goblet of drink dangled lazily from his hand, the liquid swirling with his every move. His smirk was infuriating as his eyes met.

“I will endure anything to protect you,” Angel whispered, inching closer to Subuhi. Her delicate hands clutched the frayed edges of her torn clothing as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Subuhi’s breath hitched, her mind struggling to comprehend the atrocity before her. Uraume and the guards had found her and Sukuna in the forest mere moments ago and hurried them back to the imperial palace.

Just outside the chamber doors, Sukuna stood silently, his presence heavy. Subuhi didn’t need to look at him to know he was observing everything.

“What have you done?” Subuhi’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as she addressed the crown prince.

Satsuki chuckled, his laugh cruel. “Do I really need to explain it to you, my lady?”

Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms as her cursed energy simmered beneath her skin.

“Why?”

Satsuki rose from the bed with an exaggerated grace, his goblet tipping slightly as he took a long, languid sip. He walked toward her with the poise of someone who believed himself untouchable.

“Why?” he repeated, his tone dripping with amusement. “Because I am the future king. I can do whatever I want.” His smile widened into something sinister. “Besides, Subuhi, I enjoy breaking the things you hold dear.”

His hand reached out toward Angel again, slow and deliberate.

Before he could touch her, Subuhi’s hand shot out, slapping his away. The air around her crackled with cursed energy as her rage boiled over. Her cursed axe materialized in her grip. Satsuki’s confident facade faltered, his steps retreating instinctively as Subuhi advanced.

“Die!” she roared, swinging the cursed axe with all her might.

Before her blade could connect, it was halted. A hand, bloodied and burning from the weapon’s power, gripped the axe mid-swing.

“Kenjaku,” Subuhi gasped, her fury momentarily giving way to disbelief.

Kenjaku stood between them, his hand steady despite the obvious pain. Blood dripped onto the floor, mingling with the tension in the room.

“Retreat, my lady,” he commanded, his voice sharp.

“Move out of my way!” She shouted, her grip on the axe tightening.

“Do you wish to spend the rest of your life in chains?” Kenjaku’s voice rose, uncharacteristically harsh. She never heard him yell before. His words struck her like a blow. “Open your eyes and see what you’ve done!”

She blinked, her focus shifting to her surroundings. The room was filled with guards, their swords drawn and pointed directly at her.

“Are you hurt, Your Highness?” Kenjaku turned to Satsuki, his tone softer now, he's wearing a look of concern.

Satsuki’s eyes flicked to Kenjaku for a moment before he shoved him aside. Subuhi caught something fleeting in his expression—vulnerability? Confusion? But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by venomous rage.