Heartsteel: The Price of Fame (A League of Legends story)

Chapter 23: The Mirrored Abyss

Silco snapped his fingers and two figures emerged from the shadows. Flanking him were Ahri and Evelynn, their expressions eerily vacant, their postures rigid.

The glint of the gold collars around Ahri and Evelynn's necks caught Kayn's attention. He subconsciously reached for his own neck, the phantom sensation of a similar collar still fresh in his memory. The weight of the Bible in his pocket was both a comfort and a reminder of the battle within him. He had to stay strong, not just for himself, but for Akali.

Akali, meanwhile, was locked in a tense standoff with Silco, her voice dripping with defiance. "How dare you turn them into your puppets? What if we put an end to you, Silco? Ever thought of that?"

Silco chuckled, the sound echoing eerily in the chamber. "You think taking me down changes the game? I'm just a player, like you. The only difference? I've accepted my role. Some choose to fight it, others embrace it."

"If you want a fight, you got it," said Akali.

Silco sneered. "You think you can defy the god of this world? I am but a servant. There are powers far greater than me pulling the strings."

Kayn, his voice dripping with sarcasm, retorted, "Oh, so you're just the errand boy?"

Silco's eyes narrowed. "Mock me all you want. It won't change your fate. Did you really think you could escape your destiny, Kayn? You signed the contract. You belong to me." He unfurled a contract in his hand. "Remember this?"

Kayn's eyes darted to the contract, seeing his own signature scrawled at the bottom. Memories flooded back, of a desperate moment, a pen in hand, and not reading the fine print. Rhaast's grip on him tightened.

Akali's eyes blazed with fury. "Enough games, Silco. What do you want?"

"Your loyalty for starts." Silco gestured to Ahri and Evelynn, who stepped forward, their gold collars glinting ominously. "They've already given theirs."

Akali, her voice dripping with defiance, snapped, "Contracts can be broken, Silco. And we're here to shatter yours."

"I don't think so. If anything, I think you'll be signing a contract of your own before long," said Silco. He gestured to a sinister-looking contraption in the corner. "This is where we'll unlock your true potential. Break you, mold you, and create the perfect servant."

"What is that thing?" Akali demanded, edging back.

Kayn gripped his head, struck with a sudden migraine. "I remember it now... It's a device that fractures the mind and creates... entities like Rhaast."

Akali's eyes widened in horror. "That's how they made you...?"

Silco's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Ahri was our first success. The perfect obedient puppet. And Evelynn? She can seduce anyone, extract their secrets. With Kayn, we wanted a killer. Someone prepared to do the unthinkable."

Akali's voice was cold and cutting. "You're delusional if you think we'll just play along."

Silco's smile widened, revealing a hint of madness. "You won't have a choice."

Kayn's grip tightened on the Bible. "There's always a choice. Redemption is possible for everyone."

Silco smirked. "That book? It doesn't rule this world. But if you submit to me, the true god of this realm will grant you everything you desire. Power, fame, even her," he gestured towards Akali, "all yours for the taking."

"Akali makes her own decisions, as can I," Kayn spat.

"We'll see about that," said Silco. He stepped back and suddenly snapped his fingers. "Demon eye!" 

The phrase sent Kayn spiraling into a vortex of memories and emotions. Rhaast's influence surged, threatening to consume him. A rush of memories, pain, and darkness consumed Kayn. He felt himself slipping, Rhaast's presence growing stronger. He wanted to warn Akali, to tell her to flee, but his vision blurred. The last thing he remembered was the sensation of his hands gripping Akali's wrists.