He took one step closer, his presence radiating authority that transcended simple physical proximity.
The blood covering his body was already beginning to dry, dark liquid turning to crusty residue that flaked slightly with each movement.
"The alternative is becoming bound servants. Your souls are claimed through my Soul Magic, your free will is eliminated, and your existence is reduced to eternal servitude that strips away everything except the ability to follow orders. Your consciousness remains aware throughout, trapped in bodies that obey my commands regardless of what you actually want."
The threat hung in the air like a physical weight, pressing against the Blight Clan members with such force that several of them took involuntary steps backward.
Their bark-like skin grew paler, and dark fluid swelled as their corrupted physiology responded to stress, with visible symptoms.
