I'm looking for book recommendations where a villain or antagonist spends a long time tormenting, manipulating, or 'breaking' the protagonist, only to realize too late that they’ve pushed them past the point of no return. I’m specifically looking for that moment of realization or 'oh crap' look on the villain's face when they see what the hero has become. The perfect example of this for me is Rand al'Thor in The Gathering Storm (Wheel of Time). Specifically the scene with Semirhage and the Domination Band. She spent so much time trying to break his will, but when he finally snaps and accesses the True Power to balefire her, the look of pure shock and terror on her face is exactly what I'm after. He didn't just win; he became something much colder and more dangerous than she ever expected. What I’m looking for: A hero who is usually restrained or 'good' but is driven to a dark, cold, or hyper-competent breaking point. The villain actually showing regret or fear because they realize they created a monster they can't control. Ideally a series where this shift has long-term consequences for the hero’s personality. Does anyone have any recs for series with this specific 'finding out' phase for the villain? Thanks.
by Dragon_LTT