The doors to the inner sanctum burst open. Vane was there, cowering on the throne, but behind him stood a man in pristine white robes. This was The High Inquisitor, the true leader of the Northern Council.
"Vane was always a disappointment," the Inquisitor said, his voice calm and lethal. He looked at Soren. "But you... you have the Blood-Bond. You have the Core."
The Inquisitor held out a hand. "Kill the Omega now, Soren. Give his soul to the Council, and I will make you the Emperor of the entire continent. You will never have to fight another war."
Soren looked at Mika. He saw the person who had healed his men, saved his soul, and shared his bed. He turned back to the Inquisitor and raised his sword.
"I already have my Empire," Soren growled. "And it starts with your head."