Chapter Text
The Pale King was hard at work in his workshop. The room was dark, despite the many lumafly lanterns, and even the Wyrm’s pale light. The reason was clear, as the Wyrm experimented with a small amount of void liquid, attempting to mould it. His hands were stained by its inky darkness. It was a frustrating material to work with, but with enough experimentation and trial, he could contain the infection, and make his kingdom last indefinitely. His eyes narrowed as his attempts continued.
The Wyrm was so engrossed in his work, he failed to notice the figure that appeared in a puff of scarlet smoke. His wings wrapped around him like a cape as his scarlet eyes lazily observed the room. The figure looked at the small Wyrm, and the container of liquid void. “Nasty substance. I wouldn’t play with it if I were you.” he spoke up. The Pale King startled slightly, turning to face the taller bug.
“Why have you disturbed us, Grimm?” He spoke in a calm and measured tone, though his irritation was clear.
“Don't treat me like such a stranger, we're both higher beings." Grimm looked back at the void, moving and shifting in its container. "I always thought you were determined, but I never expected this foolishness.” He spoke in a haughty, theatrical tone. “A fool like you would be a great addition to the Troupe.” he laughed at his own jest.
The Pale King ignored him, returning to his project. “In all seriousness, Pale Wyrm, you’re making a rather...uncertain decision. You’re playing with forces so arcane, that they are more ancient than, you, I, or even the Old Light herself. One wrong move and this ‘void’ could swallow all of Hallownest. Is saving this vanity project of yours really worth such a risk?”
“Begone, Grimm.” the Pale King dismissed him.
“Well then, farewell.” Grimm bowed low. He stood up, a wicked, jagged, grin spreading across his face. “And I look forward to my inevitable return, when your kingdom falls and the ritual calls me back.”
“We commanded you to begone!” the Pale King’s light flared brightly in anger.
There was the sudden sound of the door opening, Grimm turned towards it as two bug children entered, one in a maroon dress, and with a crescent shaped head, the other with regal horns, and wrapped in silver wings. The bug child in the dress looked up at him, cocking her head to one side. "You look weird." she said. The other merely stared up, no emotion in their black eyes. As Grimm looked at the silent one, he suddenly realized what the Wyrm had done.
"It wasn't enough to play with void, you had to infuse a child with it?" he asked, in a low, threatening tone.
"No cost too great." the Wyrm spoke the sentence like a mantra.
"Do you realize what you've done?" he turned back to the Pale King.
"I've found a way to contain the infection."
"By using your own spawn?!" Grimm roared.
"No cost too great." At this, Grimm merely disappeared, in another puff of smoke. As he left, he couldn't help but feel his rage grow at the Pale King's decision.