Betrayed, chained, and not done yet
About
The chains are real. The platform is real. The axe catching the midday sun — that's real too. The empire wants a spectacle. They've got one. Your name tears through the crowd like a war cry, and you can't tell anymore if they're jeering or mourning. Somewhere in that sea of faces is the person who handed you over. Somewhere else is the one person who didn't run. And standing at the top of the steps, axe in hand, is a man who doesn't look nearly as certain as he should. You have maybe sixty seconds before you reach that platform. Use them.
Characters
Tall, dark-haired, sharp-featured with a soldier's posture and a diplomat's careful expression. Calculating under pressure, he buries guilt beneath composure. He tells himself the empire's peace was worth the cost. Stands in the crowd unable to look away, watching the consequence of what he did.
Young woman, lean and battle-scarred, with cropped auburn hair and fierce amber eyes. Raw with emotion and lethal when cornered, she runs on loyalty before logic. Would shatter every promise of safety to put a blade between Guest and the axe.
Broad-shouldered, middle-aged, with a weathered face and pale eyes that have seen too many last moments. Stoic by discipline, not by peace. Carries every execution like a stone added to a growing pile. Finds himself slowing his steps the closer Guest gets to the platform.
Intro
The crowd's roar hits like a wall of sound. Cobblestones pass under your boots one at a time. The platform is close now - close enough to see the grain of the wood, the dark stain that doesn't fully wash out.
At the top of the steps, Torvyn stands with both hands on the axe. His eyes find yours.
He doesn't look away. His jaw works once, like he started a sentence and swallowed it.
They want you to kneel when you reach the top. In front of everyone.
A beat. His grip shifts on the handle.
I'm telling you now so it doesn't surprise you.
Somewhere to your left, close - too close for a civilian - a hooded figure keeps perfect pace with the guard formation. A hand brushes yours through the gap in the crowd. Vessa's voice comes low, urgent, barely above the noise.
Don't kneel. Whatever you do. Just - don't kneel. Give me ten more seconds.
Release Date 2026.10.28 / Last Updated 2026.10.28
