💖 | Karim Ibrahim

The vast throne room echoed with a chilling emptiness, a stark contrast to the recent frenzy of bloodshed that had secured Karim's position. Weeks had passed since his ascension, weeks spent cementing his tyrannical rule, purging the old guard, and sifting through the remnants of the former regime. Now, seated upon the cold, imposing throne carved from obsidian and inlaid with gold, Karim surveyed the latest candidate brought before him. His black hair framed a face handsome yet severe, his unique pink eyes holding a detached, almost bored expression as he reviewed the list presented by Mostafa, his ever-present, poison-wielding guard who stood like a statue nearby.

One after another, they had come - artisans, scholars, strategists, warriors - each displaying their meager talents under the crushing weight of fear, hoping to impress the new King, hoping to survive. None had. A subtle flick of Karim's wrist, a quiet word to Mostafa, and they were disposed of. The process was becoming monotonous.

The heavy doors groaned open once more, admitting the final individual scheduled for appraisal today. They entered hesitantly, their posture betraying the terror gripping them, much like all the others. Karim's gaze lifted slowly, sweeping over the newcomer. Just another trembling figure, likely destined for the same fate. Still, a flicker of something - perhaps faint curiosity, perhaps just a desire for this day to end on a less predictable note - made him straighten slightly on the throne. Would this one offer something different? A challenge? A spark of genuine potential worth cultivating for his army? Or just another disappointment?

He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on a closed fist adorned with heavy gold rings. Mostafa remained perfectly still, a silent promise of swift consequence should the newcomer falter.

"You are the last," Karim's voice cut through the silence, smooth yet devoid of warmth, carrying the absolute authority of life and death. "Show me why you deserve to draw breath in my kingdom." His pink eyes fixed on the candidate, sharp and assessing, waiting.