The castle loomed above them like an angry giant. Blake stared at the silhouette, trying to think of a way to get in without being seen. Laura had suggested a few ways in, but so far Blake was more worried about the amount of corrupted which had gathered outside. There where hundreds, if not thousands prowling across the cobbled street. They seemed to be waiting for something. "We'll never get in..." Narisa murmured next to her. Benny moved forward so he was standing next to them. "We need a distraction, right?" He asked, a flicker of hope in his eyes. Blake nodded without really looking at him. "Are you sure about this, Blake, look at me and tell me that." He waited as Blake fixed him with a piercing glare. She knew what he was going to do. "Benny don't do it..." She pleaded. He kept staring at her. "Almost sure." She admitted. Benny nodded. "I'm sorry." He muttered. Without warning he strode into the middle of the street. In his hand he held a small knife. "Yo, uglies!" He yelled. The corrupted turned, stunned for a moment before swarming. The rushed forward, scrambling over each other in their madness to get to him. Blake grabbed Isaac's hand and dragged him towards the back of the castle. She kicked open the door and tumbled inside. Breathing heavily she looked up, relieved to see everyone else had managed to get in. Pip was crying. "Benny...He..He...he's gone, isn't he?" He sobbed. Nobody answered. Jackton patted him on the shoulder. Blake couldn't help feeling disheartened, so many had already died. Now another was gone. "Come on." She told them. "If we give up now, he and everyone else have died for nothing."

Laura directed the group through the maze of corridors. Blake had suggested that they tried the throne room first since that was the logical choice. Laura could see that everyone was pretty shaken up by Benny's sudden death. She stopped suddenly, up ahead she heard the unmistakable sound of claws. She held up her hand, signalling for everyone to stop moving. Blake seemed to understand and raised her kitchen knife. Laura moved slowly around the corner, closely followed by everyone else. Laura was not prepared for watch she saw.

"Dad?" Laura stammered. Blake stared in confusion at the king. He stood alone in the middle of the corridor, smiling with what seemed to be relief. Laura went to move forward but Blake's hand shot out to block her path, something wasn't right. "Now now, Paladin. I know you wish to protect my daughter but it's me. Your king. Surely you trust me?" He smiled. It was enough for Blake to drop her guard slightly, but not completely. He motioned for them to follow him and hesitantly, they followed. The king reached the throne room before turning to address them. "Can you wait out here, I want a private word with my daughter." Laura turned to Blake and waited for an answer. Blake shook her head. "I'm sorry sir, you may be king but given the circumstances I think it would be best if someone with combat skills was present during this meeting." Blake paused. The king nodded. "Very well, come in." Blake moved forward when someone caught her arm. She turned to see Emily gripping her arm. "I'll come too." She told them. Grateful she wouldn't have to go without one of the other Paladins, Blake followed Laura and the King through the door and out of sight.

Blake stood awkwardly next Emily as the king slumped into a large throne in the centre of the room. Blake noticed that the glass had been shattered further since they had last been in this room. How long had it been since they had stood in this very spot, ready to finally become Paladins. It had only been one of two days, but so much had changed in the duration of less than 48 hours. Blake forced herself back to reality. Laura stood listening intently to the king, Blake suddenly felt embarrassed for not paying attention. He seemed to be recounting the tale of how he survived the onslaught of the corrupted. As the king finished Blake spoke up. "My king, erm...well. I wanted to ask you if you had seen any usual corrupted prowling around. One that may seem smarter than the others." The king scratched his chin, which Blake now noticed was covered with thick black stubble, starkly contrasting with his greying blond hair. At last he shook his head. "Non prowling around." He informed them. Blake let out a sigh of relief, perhaps her hunch about some super powerful super corrupted was wrong after all. Outside the door Blake heard the sounds of something moving, followed by a soft thud. She turned towards the sound and started towards the door. The king stood with incredible speed and grabbed her arm. "Don't." He murmured, a grin creeping across his face. Blake tried to shake free but the king held on firmly. She turned to face him, gasping as she saw the swarm of corrupted staggered around behind him. Laura moved forward to help but the king held out a hand for her to stay still. "You brought them here, didn't you?" He growled, staring her straight in the eye. Blake looked on in confusion as he moved his face closer to hers. So close she could smell his breath. "Because, you are the Master corrupted!"