Apocalypse King: The Return of Lucian-Chapter 39: Breaking the Chains

**Chapter 39: Breaking the Chains**

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Lucian's vision swam as Selene's ability clawed at his mind, warping reality into a nightmarish landscape. Shadows stretched unnaturally, twisting into grotesque figures. The whispers of the dead slithered into his ears, accusing, pleading, mocking.

He clenched his fists. "Not real. None of this is real."

Selene's voice echoed, distant yet intimate. "You can't fight your own fears, Lucian."

Lucian dropped to one knee as ghostly figures of his past emerged from the darkness—people he had failed, people he had killed. Their hollow eyes bore into him, their lips curling into cruel smiles.

Then, a **BOOM!**—a deafening gunshot.

A bullet whizzed past Lucian's ear, shattering the illusion for a split second. His instincts screamed. **Move!**

He rolled to the side just as Vera's dagger plunged into the spot he had occupied. The hallucinations flickered like a dying flame. She hadn't waited for the mind trap to fully consume him—she wanted the kill now.

Lucian smirked despite the splitting headache. "You just saved me, Nightshade."

Vera clicked her tongue. "I doubt it."

Lucian surged forward, forcing his body to obey despite the lingering fog in his head. He caught Vera's wrist mid-strike, twisting it. She hissed in pain, her dagger clattering to the ground.

Then, **Selene's energy surged again.** The world spun, and suddenly, he was back in the darkness of his mind. But this time, he was ready.

He reached deep within himself, where his power coiled like a slumbering beast. And then—

**A pulse of raw energy exploded from him.**

The hallucinations shattered like glass. Selene gasped, staggering backward. "Impossible..."

Lucian's crimson eyes gleamed as he advanced. "I don't fall twice for the same trick."

Selene tried to weave another spell, but Lucian was already upon her. He grabbed her throat, slamming her against the ruined wall.

**CRACK!**

She coughed, struggling, her power flickering. Vera lunged again, but Lucian spun Selene into the attack. The dagger pierced her shoulder instead.

Selene cried out, and Vera hesitated. That was all Lucian needed.

**BANG!**

A precise shot from his pistol sent Vera's blade flying from her grasp. Another step, and he had her pinned too, his strength pressing her against the cold concrete.

"I told you," Lucian growled. "I'm always one step ahead."

Vera panted, eyes burning with frustration, but there was something else there too—respect? Admiration? Maybe both.

Selene coughed, her magic fading completely. "Dorian... won't let you win."

Lucian's smirk returned. "Dorian's making the same mistake you just did."

**From the shadows, a slow clap rang out.**

Lucian turned his head slightly, his grip still firm on the two women. A figure emerged from the ruins, bathed in the crimson light of the setting sun.

**Dorian.**

"Impressive as always, Lucian," Dorian said, a grin playing on his lips. "But let's see if you can keep that up when the real fight begins."

Lucian exhaled sharply. The battle was far from over.

**To be continued...**