"Why, what awaits, of course." Ardyn's smug grin does not budge as he speaks, waving the arm with the black wing-like shield as though it were a dismissal. "After all, we are so very alike..."

Both were chosen, but one rejected and the other ordained. Noct's hands clench into fists. "I am nothing like you," he mutters darkly. "Unlike you, I still love our people. Knows what it's like... You are blinded by your own spite, a slave to the dark."

"And yet, it is you who are trapped." Ardyn points out, eyes glowing with malice despite his bored expression. "A prisoner of fate destined to die for the sake of thousands upon thousands... I wonder how many will be left by the time you are ready and- ah, but that would mean being capable of leaving, would it not? And you are so very trapped by more than the Draconian's game."

"Shut up!" Shiro may want to let go of his arm, so he doesn't get shocked. "Quit screwing with my head!"

...What was that little chirping noise that accompanied the groan from outside?