As Aquatina guided Asukem towards the castle, Aqilus received word of the chaos unfolding in the city. From the release of prisoners and the return of guards to the fires raging and the destruction of supplies and the portal, even the defeat of the witch, Aqilus was informed of everything. A voice resembling Aqilus murmured, "Hmm, it appears the princess has some allies." The voice then responded in a different tone, still resembling Aqilus but sounding like someone else, "But they won't be able to save her! She is doomed, just like the rest of the royal family in this accursed kingdom!" The voice reverted to its original tone, "Ah, yes, no one can rival my power." Malevolent laughter filled the air.

Upon plotting behind Aquatina's back, Aqilus awaited her return. Aquatina and Asukem eventually arrived at the castle gates. Opening the gates, they were greeted by a chilling, eerie sound emanating from the door. Stepping inside, they noticed the unsettling quietness of the castle grounds. There were no guards or servants in sight, and the silence sent shivers down their spines. The only sounds audible were their own breathing and footsteps echoing in the area.

Aquatina's mind raced with fear, but Asukem's grasp on his katana tightened as he attempted to soothe her nerves, "Aquatina, let's not make assumptions just yet. They could be hiding somewhere," he suggested, "perhaps in a dungeon?" Aquatina nodded, her expression still filled with apprehension. Together, they cautiously combed through the entire castle but found no one in sight. It was as if the inhabitants had vanished into thin air, leaving behind an unsettling and eerie atmosphere. Aquatina's anxiety grew until they reached the throne room, where they found the loyal servants, her father, and the uncorrupted guards, including the royal guards.

Seated on the throne was a male siren named Aqilus. His right arm was mutated, resembling coral, while his left arm was a normal siren's arm but armored with seaweed draped like a cloak over his shoulder. The rest of his armor was crafted from black pearl, with seaweed cascading down from his wrist like a cape. A starfish was embedded on the right side of his face, adding to his eerie appearance. Aqilus had a pale green skin tone, sharp shark-like teeth, and long, water-damaged teal hair. Spines adorned the left side of his head, giving him a menacing look.

Aqilus looks at Asukem and Aquatina with a sharp glare and tilts his head, holding back his urge to kill them. He taps his finger on the throne, expressing annoyance, "Took you long enough, I was keeping myself from killing these weaklings from boredom." Leaning forward and clasping his hands together, he continues with a malicious grin, "But, now we can get started." A growl escapes him as he licks his lips, showing a sinister smile from ear to ear.

Asukem's grip on his katana tightened, his feet firmly planted as he asserted, "Do you honestly think I would stand by and let you proceed?" Aqilus grinned, his sharp teeth resembling those of a shark, as he malevolently stated, "Yes, I do. There is nothing you can do to halt me." Suddenly, Aquatina dropped to one knee, as if submitting to his authority, but there was a visible struggle in her movements.

Asukem was startled when he quietly inquired, "Aquatina, what in the name of the Great Divine are you..." he abruptly stopped himself upon realizing his own behavior. He was shocked by his actions and exclaimed, "What in the name of the Great Divine!" Aqilus chuckled darkly as he observed them both kneeling before him, remarking in disbelief, "It's surprising that my pawns couldn't handle you two!"

Aqilus rises from the throne and strides towards Aquatina and Asukem. He glances at Triton, then back at Aquatina, and taunts, "I have a little secret for you, your Highness." A wicked grin spreads across his face. Triton shouts, attempting to intervene, "Aqilus, stop this, it's not a joke, we made a pact when we were young!" Aqilus chuckles, unconcerned, and inquires, "So what?" Aquatina gazes up slowly, a puzzled expression on her face, and questions, "What is going on? What are you hiding from me?" Aqilus laughs and begins, "Triton has a..." Triton cuts him off, blurting out, "I love you, Aquatina!" Shock registers on both Aqilus and Aquatina's faces, but Aqilus bursts into laughter, clutching his sides.

Asukem leans in closer, fixing a stern gaze on Aqilus, nearly losing control as he growls, "What's amusing?" Aqilus, taken aback by Asukem's near escape from his influence, responds, "What's funny? He's on the brink of death by my hands and he's just revealed his true feelings to the princess." He chuckles as he strides over to Triton, prompting everyone to bow down, some even lowering their heads to the ground, except for Asukem and Aquatina.

Aqilus raises his polearm, which bears a striking resemblance to an executioner's axe, above his head. He then directs his gaze towards Triton's neck. As he brings the weapon down, Triton flinches, but before any harm is done, Aquatina's desperate cries fill the air. Tears stream down her face as she pleads, "Asukem! Save him! I love him too!" Aqilus and Triton exchange shocked glances as Aquatina's true feelings are revealed.

Asukem materializes in front of Ah'keim within his mental realm. Ah'keim fixes his gaze on Asukem and inquires, "What is your desire?" Asukem collapses to his knees and pleads, "Grant me your complete power, just this once, I implore you!" Ah'keim arches an eyebrow, regarding him with bewilderment, "For what reason?" Asukem retorts, "Oh, please, just look at her, she is in utter distress!" Ah'keim glances at Aquatina and then back at Asukem, "So what?" Asukem retorts once more, "Damn it, Ah'keim, she is a comrade!" Asukem then confronts Ah'keim, seizing his Egyptian-like armor and drawing him near, "If you refuse, I will seize it forcefully!" Ah'keim chuckles with barking and twitches his Anubis ears, "Very well, but only this once, and do not seek my aid if you lose control." Asukem grunts and declares, "Just shut up and do it!"

Ah'keim extended his hand, a dark aura swirling around it. Asukem clasped Ah'keim's hand firmly, almost like finalizing an agreement. Suddenly, a surge of electricity coursed through Asukem's arm, prompting a fierce roar from him, though it was filled with determination. Ah'keim cautioned Asukem, "Don't forget, I won't intervene if you lose control." Asukem replied, "I understand, no need to worry!"

Upon returning to reality, everything unfolded after Aquatina's heartfelt cry for help. Aqilus couldn't contain his amusement and burst into laughter, exclaiming, "This is too good, I can't help it!" His laughter continued, almost as if he was on the brink of losing his sanity. As he raised his weapon above his head once more, he suddenly paused when Asukem let out a fierce roar. Aqilus didn't stop due to distraction, but rather out of sheer terror as Asukem's roar sent chills down his spine. Looking towards Asukem with fear, Aqilus' eyes widened in horror as he beheld Asukem in his full demonic manifestation.

Asukem's appearance had undergone a drastic transformation. His hair, long and shadowy, flowed down to the ground, while his wolf-like ears remained intact. A demonic eye now adorned his forehead, accompanied by wolf-like eyes that were red with black pupils. The sharp, deadly fangs inside his mouth sent chills down Aqilus's spine. Asukem's once tan skin was now pallid, with shadows enveloping his arms. Claws protruded from his hands, and a wolf-like tail, covered in black armor with a demonic face design, completed his eerie new look.