Time for War / Talokan's Resolve

Had he already gained the ability to stand against T'Chaka?

T'Challa felt the hand around his throat tighten steadily. A suffocating sensation he had never experienced before flooded his brain, and the fear of death instantly surged through him.

He immediately grabbed Erik's hand with both of his, trying to pry it loose, but it was difficult. He was on the verge of passing out.

In the end, Erik merely sneered, then tossed him away like garbage and spared his life.

Ignoring T'Challa as he lay on the ground coughing, Erik returned to the bar. He picked up a bottle of red wine in one hand, sat on the sofa, and poured the entire bottle into his mouth.

He was thirsty every moment now and needed to keep replenishing fluids.

"Did you come here today to expose me? Coming alone seems a little too reckless."

It took T'Challa a while to recover before he got to his feet. One hand rested against his neck, which still seemed uncomfortable, though it no longer affected his ability to speak.

"No, I didn't come to hold you accountable. I only want to know what it would take for you to let go of your hatred."

T'Challa said sincerely, "You should understand that no matter how much you resent it, you are still a Wakandan. Destroying Wakanda means destroying the only home you have in this world."

"What are you trying to say?" Erik sneered. "That I should put aside my hatred and obediently become your family's dog? What right does someone who personally murdered his own brother have to be king?"

T'Challa had no answer to that. Never urge others toward kindness if you have never suffered their pain.

Putting himself in Erik's place, he felt that even he probably could not let