The kingdom lay shrouded in an unnatural stillness. The sky, once a canvas of soft blues and warm yellows, now reflected an ominous crimson glow casting an eerie light over the stone towers and cobblestone streets. People huddled together, their wide, fearful eyes fixed on the figure that had appeared at the edge of the city.
With grace, the man in his dark cloak moved, though foreboding. Stopping at the heart of the bustling square, he raised a gloved hand to his words, which rumbled across the city like thunder. "Bow to your king," he ordered, the air around him seeming to vibrate with the weight of his will bending reality.
Arthur stood at the forefront, eyes locked on the man with a mix of fury and fear. His voice was a low growl as he whispered, "Zarek. The Emperor of Shadows. The one who rules with an iron will, crushing any who defy him. This is the being we've feared for centuries."