Almost immediately after Tyrannus's victory over Tairo, the remaining dissenters of Suiyan were hunted down and killed, quelling any hopes of rebellion and easily placing the southern nation beneath Tyrannus's control. Martial law was initiated right after, forcing the Suiyanic populace to work alongside Naiyanic demons to rebuild their country. This proved effective, with Suiyan almost completely rebuilt in merely a year's time, albeit with heavy Naiyanic influence.

But that was the end of positivity.

Despite multiple Factionry meetings, Tyrannus's paranoia had not subsided, resulting in a stricter, more brutal life around the Naiyanic palace. Investigations of demons were common, and anyone who breathed even a syllable of disapproval about Tyrannus's actions was never heard from again. Just after the war's end, roughly two thousand demons lived within or around the palace; now, only nine hundred called it home.

Tyrannus's health hadn't improved, either. Tetsuda still hadn't been permitted to leave for Ceniyan, which had begun its rebuilding process—in Tyrannus's view—about two months prior, yet due to his standing with Tyrannus, he'd been tasked with establishing a colony of sorts a few miles away from the palace, where demons displaced from the war—or under suspicion of treason—could live under Tyrannus's watchful eye. His duties meant he only saw Tyrannus once or twice a week, yet every time Tetsuda saw him, Tyrannus seemed to deteriorate even more.

Even now, laying beneath Tyrannus as he practically strangled Tetsuda with his tongue, Tetsuda could tell he was by no means himself. His movements were rough and robotic, just like they'd been whenever Tetsuda first became Tyrannus's slave. His soft nibbles had morphed into harsh bites, and rather than playful seduction, he growled commands into Tetsuda's ears.

After nearly five minutes of nonstop kissing, Tyrannus ripped his lips from Tetsuda's and stood on his knees. "Suck," he said. "Now."

Still panting, Tetsuda stared up at Tyrannus with soft eyes. His silky hair had grown wild and unkempt, and once intelligent citrines had morphed into strained balls of dirt. His face was gaunt and corpselike, and though more muscular, his body looked worse than an Et Cinere's.

"What are you waiting for? Suck, Tetsuda."

"What's happened to you?" he asked. "Why are you so harsh all of a sudden?"

"Troubling times lead to troubled minds. With all the threats around me, I can't afford to be weak."

"You've been saying that for a year, Tyrannus." Tetsuda sat up and touched his hollow cheek. "You can tell me what's—"

"Don't touch me," he hissed, smacking Tetsuda's hand away. "I didn't call you here to talk."

"But that's what I'm here for," he said. "I'm your lover, Tyrannus. I'm supposed to be the person you confide in the most."

"I can't confide in anyone. Not anymore."

"What nonsense have they been putting in your head?"

"Who?"

"Praedicare and Rapax. You loathed them before the war, but all of a sudden you're taking their advice over Basileus's, and he's been with you since you first dissented from Tairo."

"Don't say his name here," he growled. "And I've never listened to them because I was foolish. They understand the importance of the state more than anyone."

"They're only looking out for themselves. They don't care about you, Tyrannus, but I do! And I can see that you're suffering. Tell me what's wrong. Let me help you."

"You have no place interfering," Tyrannus muttered.

"Fine." Tetsuda untangled himself from Tyrannus and rose from the bed. "Then I've no reason to stay here.

"Tetsuda—"

"You're mad. You have to be."

Before Tyrannus could say anything, Tetsuda abandoned their bedroom and stalked down the hall.

He was concerned, absolutely, but at this point, all he felt was anger. He should've been more assertive early on, should've taken more authority in the post-war year. Maybe then Tyrannus's mind wouldn't be so strained.

Praedicare and Rapax had been acting as vultures for nearly eight months, whispering suggestions and opinions deep into Tyrannus's ear during meetings or events. He'd already given Rapax complete dominion over the mining industry, and Praedicare was a few steps away from leading the army in place of Potentia. It was only a matter of time before one or both of them attempted to overthrow the weakened Tyrannus and plunge Iyan into militant despotism.

His fuming mind carried him all the way out to the courtyard, where overseers—Superbia, unsurprisingly—led a group of prisoners to the Et Cinere pits.

"Tetsuda. Tetsuda!"

The incubus looked up to see Basileus jogging toward him. "Yes?"

"Where were you?" he asked. "I've been looking for you for nearly three hours."

"Tyrannus wanted to meet with me. Privately."

He nodded slowly. "I see." He looked around quickly, then moved closer and whispered, "He's getting worse."

"I know," Tetsuda said. "His health's deteriorating more and more each day."

"It's not just that, though. It's as if he's become a whole different person. Almost like...like Tairo, but even crueler. It needs dealt with, and soon."

"Basileus—"

"Tetsuda, I know you love him, but you can't deny it. He'll end up destroying Iyan if he's left to reign amok."

"Reign amok?"

Basileus's head shot up, and Tetsuda looked over his shoulder. Tyrannus stalked toward them, his eyes burning, a smiling Praedicare and Rapax at either side. Falce Mortis formed in his hand, black flames circling around the shaft.

"I knew you were a radical..."

Tetsuda stepped in front of Basileus. "Tyrannus, please—"

"Get out of the way, Tetsuda!" he snapped. "If I don't lance the boil, the disease will fester, and the body will rot."

"I'm not the one you need to fight," Basileus said. "They're the ones killing this nation!"

"You filthy whore of a—"

"Wait, Lord Tyrannus," Praedicare said, placing his hand on Tyrannus's shoulder. "Governor Tetsuda is correct. You shouldn't kill him here."

"Yes," Rapax agreed. "There's barely anyone around. There could be even more dissenters that we don't know about, but if they witness the defeat of their leader…"

Tyrannus's eyes narrowed, but in thought, rather than anger. A wicked grin grew on his face, and he lowered his scythe to the ground. "I hadn't thought of it that way," he said. "An excellent idea." He straightened his posture and proclaimed, "Luxuria Basileus, you are hereby convicted of treason and will be executed tomorrow morn."

"Tyrannus, no!"

"Hush, Tetsuda," Tyrannus said. "You've no place interfering. Besides...this will be an excellent time for you. I'm sure of it."