Anthony stood before the darkened entrance to Nate's lair, a place once vibrant but now corrupted by shadow. The building exuded an oppressive energy, a reflection of the darkness that had consumed Nate. Anthony’s heart ached as he steeled himself, determined to save the friend he knew was still buried within.

As he entered, the air grew heavier, thick with the scent of decay and the hum of malevolent magic. The corridors were lined with grotesque statues, twisted forms that seemed to mock him as he passed. But Anthony pressed on, his resolve unshaken.

When he reached the throne room, he hesitated briefly before pushing open the heavy doors. Inside, Nate sat on a throne of black stone, his once-bright blue eyes now a chilling red. The room was filled with shadows that seemed to pulse with dark energy, as if they were alive.

"Nate," Anthony called out softly, stepping into the chamber. "It's me, Anthony. I’ve come to help you."

Nate’s gaze remained cold, and a cruel smile crept across his face. "Help me?" he mocked. "I don’t need help. I’ve finally embraced the power I deserve."

Anthony’s heart sank at the words, but he refused to give up. "This power isn’t you, Nate. It’s the drugs and the dark magic—they’re twisting your mind. But I know the real you is still in there. We can save you."

Nate’s expression hardened, the shadows around him darkening. "You think you can save me with your weak magic and hollow words? You’re delusional, Anthony."

Anthony took a deep breath, summoning a warm, golden light in his hand. The light formed into a small flower, a symbol of their friendship from years ago. "Remember this, Nate? You gave me this flower when we swore to protect Nocturnus together. We were more than friends—we were brothers."

For a fleeting moment, Nate’s eyes softened, the red glow dimming as the light flickered in the dark room. But the darkness fought back, and Nate’s face twisted with fury. With a violent gesture, he shattered the flower, and the golden light extinguished in an instant.

"Enough!" Nate roared, unleashing a wave of dark magic. The shadows surged, wrapping around Anthony, squeezing the life out of him. "Nate… please…" Anthony gasped, but his words were lost as the darkness tightened its grip.

With a final, crushing force, Nate’s magic overwhelmed Anthony, reducing him to nothing but ash on the cold stone floor. Nate stared at the spot where his friend had stood, his chest heaving. The red glow in his eyes blazed brighter, and the shadows pulsed with sinister energy.

But deep within, buried beneath the layers of darkness, a small part of Nate grieved for what he had done. He had won, but at a terrible cost. Alone on his throne, the remnants of Anthony’s light flickered briefly, a haunting reminder of the man Nate once was and the darkness that had now consumed him.