A sickening, flesh-tearing sound echoed through the air, sharp and jarring, like thunder ripping through the silence.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
The second sound followed, the unmistakable patter of liquid falling to the floor.
Each drop rang in their ears like another thunderclap, but this time, there was a strange rhythm to it, steady, deliberate.
Shock swept across the faces of those watching, freezing them in place as if the world itself had come to a halt.
Then, the third sound emerged.
It wasn't like the others.
It was a beat.
A heartbeat.
Thump.
Thump.
It was Anthony's heart.
The Executioner stood before Anthony, his hand effortlessly passing through Anthony's chest, emerging from the other side to grasp his heart in a cruel, steady motion.
Blood seeped from his arm as Anthony's life force drained away, crimson rivulets flowing down his limb.
Anthony's gaze faltered, his once-vibrant eyes dulling as the last remnants of light faded from them.
