Eclipsed

Chapter 61

Yoruzen.

The Chamber of Yoruzen

A cold, oppressive darkness enveloped the air as Doulos and Kaiser descended the spiraling staircase into the depths of the fortress. The stone walls were jagged and rough, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the narrow, winding corridor. As they reached the bottom, a massive door loomed before them, heavy and adorned with ancient runes.

Kaiser, his eyes glinting with a cold resolve, spoke in a low voice. "This is where our master is."

Doulos said nothing but nodded, his expression as unchanging as ever. His hollow, black skull face seemed to absorb the light around him, a terrifying mask of emotionless duty. Together, they pushed the doors open, revealing a vast throne room—its air thick with power.

At the far end of the chamber sat a towering figure, a figure cloaked in shadow but unmistakable. Yoruzen, his silver-white hair cascading like a waterfall and his piercing silver eyes glowing faintly, sat upon a throne of obsidian. His smile was cold, predatory.

"Doulos! Welcome back," Yoruzen's voice resonated throughout the room, smooth and calculating.

Doulos bowed his head slightly, a respectful gesture that conveyed both reverence and submission. "It is a pleasure to serve under Your Majesty once again."

Kaiser followed suit, bowing deeply in deference to the figure before them. The weight of Yoruzen's presence seemed to press against their very souls.

Yoruzen stood from his throne, his regal stature imposing as he spoke. "It's time to reclaim what was once ours."

His words hung in the air, the finality of his declaration echoing in their minds. He turned his gaze toward the side of the room, where a figure cloaked in shadows stepped forward.

"Ah... Koroshi, my son," Yoruzen said, his voice turning softer, almost tender, but still full of command. "Have you found him yet?"

Doulos, his head still bowed, raised it slightly to gaze at his master. His hollow eyes, empty of any warmth, focused solely on Yoruzen. His voice was as cold as the grave when he answered. "Yes, but I apologize, the boy left my grasp."

Yoruzen's eyes narrowed, a flash of rage igniting within his silver pupils. "WHAT!?"

The tension in the room thickened, and Kaiser immediately stepped forward, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "Sorry, sire. I distracted him. Please forgive us, Your Highness."

Yoruzen's anger was palpable, but after a long moment, he exhaled sharply, his gaze cooling. "Fine. But I need him with us right now. He is my only blood!"

He glanced at Doulos, his expression turning more calculated. "Doulos, you stay here."

Doulos's response was unwavering, a shadow of obedience in his emotionless voice. "Your Highness..."

Yoruzen's voice was firm, unyielding. "Me and Kaiser will look for Ren. You stay here. Protect the chamber until we are back."

Doulos nodded without hesitation. "Your wish is my command, Your Highness."

Kaiser's gaze flickered between the two men, but he said nothing. He understood the urgency. Ren, Yoruzen's only son, was a key figure in their plans, and his absence was unacceptable.

Yoruzen turned and looked to Kaiser. "Let's go," he commanded.

And with that, the three figures—Yoruzen, Kaiser, and Doulos—each assumed their respective roles in the great game that was unfolding. The shadows of the world stirred around them, and the hunt for Ren had begun.