Chapter 18: Through the Eyes of a Fly

In this chapter, a messenger delivers grim news of defeat to Severin, who, mistaking it for a victory, rushes it to the throne room of the wicked King Beelzebub. The king, darkly regal and dangerously unpredictable, lashes out upon learning of the loss, only to regain composure when he hears of a mysterious book and the boy who carries it. Through a mystical connection with a fly, he spies on the enemy camp, only to be jolted back to reality. With a cunning plan to bribe desperate men with gold and land, Beelzebub plots further treachery—welcoming his favorite double agent, Magnus, with wicked wit and dark amusement.