9th day of the season of death 2448

It was a chilly morning, but Reaginn had warned his companions that once they reached Elthen, the kingdom of the Golden Cup, the temperature would be permanently very dry and hot.

- Rationalize your water, he ordered. Travelling in the dunes of Elthen is no picnic.

Before leaving, he had unveiled a map of Aerinda and explained the route they had taken during their first rescue attempt. Being a master tracker, he had immediately noticed subtle yet very obvious clues that they were on the right track. He confessed that he was uncomfortable with tracking wood elves because they are masters of nature and know how to mask themselves to near perfection. At that moment he knew that one of the kidnappers was a traitor. However, he soon realized that he had made a mistake and that it was Yuzia who was in charge of leaving a trail in their wake.

On the edge of Elthen, there were signs of a struggle and broken dragon scales buried under the shiny sand. You had to go back to where the squad had been ambushed by a few wood elves: just south of Myssa, a small city located in one of the few places where there was greenery in this kingdom. To get there, you would have to travel for a long time in the Cackling Skull Desert or follow the edge of the kingdom of Detmor, but that would make the journey too long.

Soon after she had entered Elthen, Azena soon realized that the name of the desert was not in vain. There were sticks everywhere mounted with the skulls of victims who seemed to mock the travelers who crossed them.

- Oh poor thing, you're going to succumb, one of them whispered as she passed by it. This is your last mistake... Here, the suns have no mercy and will drain you of your life.

Then it laughed like a madman, its piercing chuckles swallowing up the thoughts of the half-elven.

- No! she screamed in panic.

She leaned forward and squeezed her legs, ordering the animal to enter a gallop, but the animal stopped abruptly when a man grabbed its reins and held its position firmly.

- Mo-Morcan, stuttered Azena, unsure of what was going on.

- Easy,said the elementalist in an attempt to calm his own mount as well as Azena's.

The others didn't even stop.

- Don't worry, Morcan said with a small smile. This desert has a bad reputation. Even those who are used to it sometimes fall to these tricks.

- The skull... i-it spoke to me, explained Azena who was beginning to realize that she was the only one who had heard it.

- It happened to me too the first time I crossed this desert, Morcan confessed. Ignore them, they're not really alive. It's just a figment of your imagination... or maybe the curse that's said to haunt this place.

Azena swallowed what little saliva she had left. Why was she even surprised that such a place was cursed? It's the perfect defense against most threats, but the Passing Shadow Squad was stronger than that. That thought strengthened Azena's resolve and she calmed down.

- I think I'll be alright.

Morcan nodded his head, seemed delighted to hear it and let go of the reins. Even so, he kept an eye on the young apprentice. He must not have been an idiot; he knew that the desert was indocile and cruel as Azena had just realized. In fact, the next skull she came across seemed to smile mischievously at her. On the other hand, it remained silent. To calm her nerves, she decided to take a sip of water. A sip of water that lasted far too long.

- Not too much, Morcan told her. Don't lose control.

The first sun had fallen and the second sun was slowly following. As the group passed by another skull stuck on a stick, Azena thought she was finally going to lose her mind. She avoided the skull's gaze, but it was as if she felt a magnetic attraction to it. For a reason she didn't understand, she knew he had once been an exotic dancer of mesmerizing beauty. A vision of her appeared in her mind: medium height, rather generous curves, long sandy hair, tanned skin, jade eyes, but what particularly attracted Azena was her shoulder tattoo of a dark sword.

- I know what haunts you, she whispered in a tone as luxurious as it was vile. Come and join us, my dear.

The realization that she had indeed been obsessed with members of the rebel group called DarkBlade, her inability to control her second element, and her recent discovery of her attraction to women took her all by surprise. She nodded and shook her head, observing her surroundings. There was nothing unusual about it. It was just an illusion, probably stemming from her anxiety or from this curse. She understood why travelers did not frequently use this way to travel. It was a real torment, both mental and physical. She was dead tired, she had a wolf's thirst and every muscle in her body was sore. At least the breezes were now cool and that did her a lot of good.

- Shouldn't we rest, Captain? Sanah asked.

The healer had taken the words out of her mouth and for that she glorified her silently. The group stopped and waited with apprehension for Reaginn's decision.

- Are you really exhausted or do you just want to look at this plant? the captain asked, pointing at a small cactus with sparkling yellow flowers.

Sanah immediately blushed and shook her head negatively.

- No... It's just that there's this rock and it's massive enough to protect us from both suns in the morning... We could get some sleep...

- Fine, Reaginn decided. But we'll be back on the road at dawn.

- Oh! Sanah exclaimed, her eyes beaming with joy. That's great!

- Come on, go examine your cactus Sanah, Morcan said with a burst of laughter.

- But, that's not at all why... Oh, well, all right...

Morcan gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder and the lunar elf's skin took on a strange purple hue. He continued laughing and she avoided continuing the discussion by crouching near the cactus. She then began to mumble as if she was having a conversation with the plant. Azena jumped down from her mount, tied the reins to her belt with a long rope since there was no alternative and stared at the herbalist curiously.

- It's Sanah, Morcan explained, performing the same procedure as the half-elf She's a bit... eccentric. She loves her work.

- I can see that, replied Azena.

Honestly, Azena didn't doubt Reaginn's abilities, but the other three members of the squad gave her a hint of doubt as if they weren't going to be very competent. They were all so strange... Very strange choices... On the other hand, the more time Azena spent with them, the more confident she felt as if there was a strong, inexplicable bond between them.

- This way, the young girl, Morcan said, beckoning her to come closer.

The elementalist started to stick five solid wooden sticks in the sand next to each other. They were not very long, but it was enough to tie the horses to them. Baldur manipulated the sand so that it solidified around the sticks, probably to make sure they stayed straight. Morcan offered to tie up Azena's horse, which she gladly accepted.

A small alarmed cry drew their attention. Sanah was applying pressure to her index finger, which was slightly swollen at the tip.

- Really, Morcan mumbled. Watch yourself. Most cacti are poisonous.

- I'm a herbalist you know, Sanah reminded him with a pretentious little smile. And also a healer.

She took a small bottle out of her backpack and poured a drop of sticky liquid over the wound.

- I know, pouted the elementalist who unrolled his sleeping bag near the huge rock.

The young Baldur imitated him, his mouvements almost delicate and elegant. He hadn't uttered a word for hours. He was definitely the most mysterious and calmest of the group. Perhaps he was taking his role as bodyguard a little too seriously?

- In a hurry to go to bed? commented Sanah sarcastically. Come on, let's eat and get to know the new girl... around a nice fire?

Azena suddenly felt all attention was drawn to her and became slightly uncomfortable. Unable to bear the feeling, she turned to Sanah and forced a laugh.

- It's not necessary, she said. You must be exhausted and... and...

She couldn't find a second excuse to escape this social obligation.

- Too late, little one, Morcan said. I too would like to know a little more about you. This mission is dangerous... It's to our advantage to know you well. Besides, it's good for you too.

He turned to Sanah, who didn't listen to him. She was distracted by her cactus, which she examined from every angle with a near luxurious expression.

- Sanah, are you listening to me? questioned the elementalist.

- Eh? Yeah, yeah... fire and talk, Sanah replied.

Morcan approached her and grabbed the collar of her sweater and began to drag her near Azena. The poor herbalist struggled, lamenting, but in vain; Morcan was much stronger than she was. The whole thing was a bit ridiculous according to Azena. Moreover, Reaginn and Baldur seemed to agree, observing their companions with a slightly irritated look.

- Stop it! yelled Sanah. I was making a phenomenal discovery!

- Getting to know each other is more important, Morcan grumbled. Come on, it's getting cold. Let's build a fire.

Indeed, the breezes were getting chilly. Azena was starving and tiredness was beginning to show.

- What kind of food do we have? the young dragon rider asked, raising an eyebrow, convinced that Reaginn had not brought much edible food.

- Cake, Sanah said with a big smile.

- Really?

- Well, that's what I brought. That and some vegetables that can be eaten raw like carrots. What do you have?

Azena realized that they had packed rations for themselves so she had nothing to eat because she had been so rushed.

- She shares canned soup with me, Reaginn said.

Azena couldn't help but open her mouth in despair.

- Cold canned soup? she lamented. Is that what you thought of?

- With a fire, it warms well, Reaginn replied, still insensitive. Even cold, it's food and it keeps well. Now, take what I offer you or would you rather go hungry? I do hope you will feed yourself, otherwise you will become a burden.

- All right, all right... I'm going to eat some soup... hot soup...

Azena blushed slightly and looked away from her squad leader. She hated it when she was wrong, especially in front of him.

- Realize that on a mission, we are no longer at the academy where the Grand Master spoils us, the tracker recalled. We do with what we can afford. Worry about two things: survival and accomplishing your goal.

Azena nodded, realizing her situation.

- And to accomplish your goal, it's useful to know your companions, Morcan said in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere.

He forced a laugh, then, realizing that he wasn't funny, he rushed to his horse and started to rummage through a large bag. He took out a few twigs, a vial filled with sparkling red liquid and parchment paper.

- You really thought of everything, Azena commented.

- It's not much, said Morcan. Probably just enough for a very small and brief fire. Too bad we don't have a red dragon rider with us. I hate to waste this LivingFlame potion. It might come in handy in battle.

- What's...?, Azena began pointing at the little bottle.

- Oh! Oh! Sanah said, tiptowing. I'm the one who locked up a red dragon flame; Rendarnusx's to be precise. He was so kind to let me take it... It's a gift that many people would dream of possessing. A dragon flame in a bottle!

- And... how exactly does it work?

She watched Sanah who continued her explanation by making big exaggerated gestures.

- When the bottle is thrown and the glass breaks, the flame escapes from its prison and moves like a snake very briefly before dying. This can be used as a distraction or an attack with an area of effect or...

- Or for a campfire, Morcan ended.

- Impressive, said Azena. I didn't know that alchemists could store a dragon's breath in a container.

- Oh not just a dragon's breath, Sanah informed, her eyes sparkling. If we encountered an elemental, we could use its essence to create potions.

Azena hiccupped and widened her eyes. Once again, this world took her by surprise.

- Oh you didn't know about the elementals? Morcan asked. M'yep... There are manifestations of the elements. They're rare and powerful; an adult dragon, even wyrm sometimes, would have difficulty defeating such an enemy. I've never seen one, but...

- Enough chatter, Reaginn barged in. We're all hungry. Let's get the fire ready.

Sanah and Morcan nodded their heads and went to work. Morcan placed the twigs and paper in a pile while Sanah surrounded them with rocks. The rest of the group prepared their beds. Baldur placed his bed away from his comrades so that if an intruder approached, he would be the first to meet him. He had hidden a dagger under his pillow, one inside his sleeping bag and one under his backpack.

- This one is truly dedicated, Azena whispered to herself.

- Ruvior didn't choose him for nothing, Sanah emphasized.

She reached out a hand towards Morcan. The latter grimaced as he gave her the flask of LivingFlame.

- Be careful with that, he grumbled. It's powerful... It only takes a drop.

- Stop treating me like a child, Sanah replied, gnashing her teeth. I know it only takes a drop! Raah!

Sanah's body was slightly shaken when she became irritated and she spilled several drops on the twigs which immediately caught fire. The flames grew at an astonishing speed and reached the height of a grown man. Sanah screamed and fell backwards.

- Idiot! Morcan shouted.

The elementalist grabbed her with one arm and pulled her towards him, away from danger while Azena grabbed the small bottle of LivingFlame with inhuman reflexes. Panicked, the teenager held the potion out to Morcan and Sanah, who were both frozen in place, their faces red.

Sanah was the first to react. She grabbed the potion and moved away from Morcan, who stammered apologies.

- G-good catch, Azena.

She nervously put the cap back on to seal the living liquid.

Azena stared at her hands as she thought of her elvish heritage. She wasn't as fast as a pure-blooded elf, but she had noticed a difference in talent between her and the people of Daigorn when she was very young. There were so many clues now that she could see more clearly.

- Be careful, Reaginn growled authoritatively. To think I boast you out in front of the Grand Master. It's a good thing Azena has good reflexes.

- Sorry Captain, Morcan and Sanah said simultaneously, avoiding eye contact.

Amused, Azena couldn't help but laugh and smile. She suspected that Morcan was being overprotective of Sanah because he liked her and that the alchemist was acting independent, probably for the same reason. After all, they must have spent a lot of time together on missions and training. Their bond was undoubtedly strong.

Baldur had reacted promptly too. He had manipulated sand and earth to suffocate the fire without putting it out. Now under control, the flames were a fraction of their original height.

- Well done Baldur, Reaginn complimented. And you two are like children, he continued, referring to Morcan and Sanah.

He rummaged through a bag his horse was carrying and took out two cans. He offered one to Azena and kept the bigger one. Noticing Azena's frustrated expression, he smirked a little.

- I'm a grown man and you're a little girl, so I need more food. You're already lucky I brought you rations, so don't start whining.

- I'm not a little girl, Azena mumbled after turning to the fire and looking at the small tin can. I'm fifteen years old... Fuck, I'm going to lose weight on this trip.

Reaginn set up a cauldron over the fire, opened his can with a dagger that was hidden in his boot and emptied his soup inside. Immediately he began to stir it, again with the help of his weapon. Disgusted, Azena found his methods primitive and dangerous because of their lack of cleanliness. Then she realized she would have to do the same. She pursed her lips and submitted to the idea, preferring it to starvation.

- Oh thank you Baldur, Sanah said.

Azena turned to the alchemist and saw Baldur carrying a rock just wide enough for a human to sit on and put it in front of the fire. He repeated the process until everyone had an improvised seat. Eventually the whole squad was set up around the flames and one by one each member cooked their food.

- You even brought bowls?! Azena exclaimed when Reaginn handed her one.

- It's necessary with soup, he replied. I don't have any utensils though, so you'll have to drink it.

- It's so complicated... Why not bread or cake?

- Yes, making soup is complicated in a survival situation. But water is limited in a desert and the juice is mostly made of...

- Water, Azena ended, feeling ridiculed once again.

She took a sip of the soup filled with vegetables and some beef. The taste was very bland and she almost spat her food into her bowl.

- It's not good enough for you? asked Reaginn.

- Well, Azena said softly. It lacks salt...

- Salt would dehydrate you. No salt.

Azena looked down and took a second sip, trying to forget her humiliation. Ruvior was so well prepared and she was a nuisance more than anything else. But he had agreed to take her with him and that comforted her.

- Did you make this soup yourself?

- Yes, answered the tracker without much emotion.

Azena wanted to tell him he was a terrible cook, but she refrained from doing so. She had to admit that it was for the best in their situation. It was good that he had a practical mind. She wouldn't even think of it.

Sanah and Morcan nibbled on their own loaf of bread while Baldur had brought kiwi fruit that he cut into four pieces with his sword before devouring their centres. The fruit has a lot of water; it was also a good tactic. However, Azena hoped for him that he had thought long term for fruit doesn't keep fresh for long.

She drank the rest of her soup and Tyrath's winged figure took shape in her mind. Suddenly she missed her life partner and wondered if he had found anything to eat. He and the other dragons were so far away. It was a very strange feeling. And Turion was silent and absent as usual. She would have liked to talk to him and get to know him a little more, but she understood why he could not make an appearance very often. At this thought, she felt frustrated for the umpteenth time. She had to learn how to control animancy better, but it was so difficult, especially without a master to guide her.

She needed to distract herself. The silence drove her crazy.

- So why did you choose the name Passing Shadows for the squad?

- You already know our specialty and the type of missions we take on, said Sanah. I'd say we're known as a squad that accomplishes its objectives quickly, quietly, and never leaves a trace, if ever. After a mission that seemed perilous, but that we ended with an unexpected expertise, Morcan joked that we were passing shadows and not really mortals. We had been nameless for a long time, then suddenly this joke resonated with us.

- Forget about my joke, Morcan said nonchalantly. It wasn't that great. Miguhel was the idiot who thought it was phenomenal.

Another unease set in. The mention of Miguhel was clearly still taboo. Whatever had exactly happened, it was probably still too fresh. Azena was curious, but she said nothing. She noticed that Sanah seemed particularly agitated despite trying her best efforts to not to hide it. Her body was stiff and her gaze emanated sadness. Morcan blinked several times, seeming to realize his mistake.

- So, why are you so passionate about saving Umah? the elementalist asked, probably to change the subject. Is he a close friend?

- Honestly, not really, Azena replied. He's dear to someone who's important to me. In that sense, I understand her. Unfortunately, she's not so good at fighting, so I volunteered. Also, Umah is one of our comrades. I have had tensions with him, but I still consider him one of us and I want to protect our family that was formed by our union with the dragons and our shared philosophy.

- Hmph, well said, Morcan complimented. It's kind of the same thing with our little group of lunatics.

- A band of lunatics, Sanah whispered. You know, when you go through dark stuff, you get really thigh-knitted to the people that we're there with you.

The alchemist's gaze was immersed in the dancing flames. Azena was a little worried, but she decided to do nothing. It was not her place to mention Miguhel.

- Azena, called Baldur in his voice, which sounded even more young than he looked, but was nevertheless broken by a professional coldness.

- Mmhmm? Azena said, turning to the warrior boy.

He was gently sharpening one of his two battle-axes on a rock, but his eyes were fixed on his interlocutor.

- Give me your weapons, he ordered. I'll inspect them and sharpen them if necessary.

- Of course, answered Azena.

She handed him her elven bow, her quiver filled with arrows and a dagger she kept on her belt.

- Is that all? Baldur asked unimpressed.

- Well, yeah, the teenage girl grunted. I'm mainly an archer.

- Typical elf.

- Half elf, Azena corrected, crossing her arms.

- Almost the same thing. Most half-elves also turn to archery. It's classic.

Sanah and Morcan watched the exchange between the two youngsters and exchanged a worried look.

- It's all right, said Azena. Think what you want.

She was expecting some sort of reply, but Baldur began to sharpen an arrow which he slid out of the quiver with unexpected delicacy. Reaginn was watching her closely and she didn't want to provoke his rage. So she decided to hold her tongue. She would have liked to see that rascal in combat. She suddenly felt the urge to outdo him or to defeat him in a duel. After all, she was the older of the two, that was for sure. But he had been a dragon rider much longer than she had... That was her greatest disadvantage.

- Azena, said Reaginn, squinting suspiciously.

Had he guessed her intentions? They were so fresh... How could he? It was Reaginn, after all. He's very perceptive, which drove Azena crazy sometimes. She tried to think about nothingness to soften her facial expression in an attempt to hide her state of mind from her captain. Anxious, she focused her attention on the fire which helped to distract her. She then remembered Turion's words that she should draw inspiration from her surroundings. She closed her eyes, crossed her arms and legs on her rock and breathed out for a long time.

- What's she doing? Morcan asked, probably in the guise of Azena.

- I don't know? answered Sanah. Meditation maybe?

The rest of the conversation was lost for, Azena found a strange peace in the constant sound of the rock slamming against the iron of the weapons Baldur was sharpening. She managed to clear her mind and focused quickly, which was very rare. She detected the flow of life in her companions. Each of them had a different and very complex sensation. Azena wondered about the souls of living beings. If they really existed, they must've been unique. The souls of Morcan and Sanah were more restless, more chaotic, but also comforting and warm, while those of Baldur and Reaginn were almost entirely uniform, more orderly, even a little frightening, but strong and robust. Strangely enough, Morcan's seemed to resemble Sanah's, who remained constant in her whirl, as if there was some contentment in this uncertainty. Suddenly, Azena detected a small wave that rippled through Reaginn's stream of life. Morcan's flow moved away and Sanah's flow began to swirl unsteadily again.

When Azena opened her eyes, she noticed that Reaginn was talking to Morcan.

- ... our mission, right?

- Yes Captain, Morcan whispered.

The elementalist seemed calm, but Azena knew it wasn't true. His soul was restless.

- What about mine? she thought.

This time, for some reason, she could not concentrate enough to tap into the element of life and death. She couldn't feel anything. Just a moment ago, she felt as if she was in another dimension. She tried again, but she felt a heavy weight afflicting her feet. She opened her eyes to discover that Baldur had left her weapons on the ground right in front of her.

- I'm finished, he said. They're good as new.

- Err... thank you, Azena replied.

She put her things in their original places and returned to sit on her rock.

- I didn't know you meditated, Sanah said. I can't. I'm too energetic.

- Oh, you've noticed, said Azena, a little embarrassed. It's not something that I normally do.

She suddenly felt like she was being watched by someone dangerous. Instinctively, she turned to Reaginn. Indeed, the captain was staring at her with an interest she didn't appreciate at all. On top of it, he wasn't even trying to hide it. Azena guessed that she had been ordered to keep a close eye on her because of her powers, which were always very mysterious and potentially dangerous. To his surprise, the tracker said nothing. Perhaps the others weren't aware of Azena's situation.

- Don't stay awake too long, Reaginn ordered. We have a long way to go tomorrow, and as soon as the first sun is visible it will already be too hot to sleep.

- Yes Captain, answered the rest of the squad.

Without wishing good night to anyone, the tracker disappeared into the darkness, probably where he had set up his bed.

- How long have you been training together? Azena asked her three companions.

- Baldur is practically new, Morcan answered. So... maybe ten days or so... Me, Sanah and Reaginn, probably nearing three years.

- What kind of training did Reaginn give you?

- Well... To tell the truth, I didn't like those training sessions, Morcan admitted.

Sanah giggled and continued in the elementalist's place:

- Captain Ruvior's philosophy is hard to follow, but it works well. He believes that teammates should trust each other completely. To do that, he put us in perilous situations that required each of us to make an effort to get out of them. He taught us how to read other people's body language by forcing silent communication in our exercises. In this way, we hardly need to speak to understand each other. It's very practical.

- It was a mess, Morcan lamented. In fact, it's still a mess at our training sessions.

- It was worth it, you lazy bastard. Because of these methods, we are one of the most feared squads of dragon riders.

She turned to Azena.

- Reaginn acts coldly and even unfairly at times, but I assure you he cares for us.

- You trust him fully, the young dragon rider realized.

- Exactly as he taught us. Also, we could never succeed in our feats without that trust. We must act as one.

- Then, why take me with you? I'm clearly not on your level.

Morcan laughed.

- I think he chose us all for a specific reason. He's not an idiot. He never gets involved with people he doesn't think are capable of accomplishing the mission. In conclusion, I say follow his judgment. Honestly, I have no idea why he's putting up with me and Sanah.

- Hey! Speak for yourself, said the alchemist. I think we're learning in an exemplary fashion... with the exception of a little nonsense...

- Yeah... a few small occurrences... Rather big ones... but, for some reason, we always come out of it in one piece and with our goal completed. Well... except on the last mission...

The atmosphere became heavy and dark again. What happened during the first attempt to rescue Umah was clearly emotional.

- Tell me about Reaginn, the half-elf said to change the subject.

- In what sense? Morcan asked, raising his head to her.

- Well, he seems so... so... recognized and different. There must be a reason behind it.

Morcan laughed like a madman, tapping his legs consecutively.

- Morcan... Stop, you idiot, Sanah said. It's not her fault if she doesn't know. You know they don't like to tell the apprentices. Besides, it's the captain's private life. Come on, let's...

- Yeah, Morcan answered between his burst of laughter, so as not to scare them.

He calmed down after a while.

- All right, I'll tell you very briefly and without details, because you mustn't wake the sleeping wolf. After all, it might serve as a lesson to you.

He glanced in the direction from which Reaginn had disappeared. He waited for a long time and then fixed his attention on Azena. The details of her face were hardly distinguishable because of the slowly dying fire. Even so, Azena detected a little innocent malice in his eyes as if he was preparing to do something bad.

- They wrote the short version in song form, the elementalist continued. This is the assassin's serenade.

He cleared his throat and then, to Azena's surprise, his tone changed as he began to sing. In spite of his masculinity, his voice was soft and melancholy.

A single breeze is nothing but mischievous

But don't push your luck

For the wind is ever flexible, transforming into a roaring tornado

One soul lies awake throughout the lonely night

Anxious or calm, nobody knows what's on his mind

Deep deep buried in the prison he calls home

Young and bold, then scarless, he would run amidst the dead he left in his wake

A perfect assassin, he bore his destiny with pride

One night, he gave his heart to a maiden that seduced him under the silver moonlight

His icy walls broken, his conviction shaken

He could do nothing but languish to share his life with her

So he broke the sacred laws he protected by bringing her to the dormant eggs

There, she became what he planned her to become

To share his nightmares with her

Together, they followed blood trails

Deep, deep, buried in their proud minds

The two perfect assassins, paid in nothing but admiration and praise

Riding fire and wind, deadly as ever

But who would have ever known?

Wolves are sometimes born of obedient sheeps

Monsters are often born of battered wolves

Don't stray in their dens

For they lay awake, anxious or calm, nobody knows

Silent as the night, the then-maiden slipped away without him knowing

Only to be dragged back under his iron grip and his bleeding heart

Betrayer she became, a monster bearing the mark of a sinister blade on her shoulder

Tortured she was, under his gaze

He could not waiver, for his loyalty was on the line

The then-maiden never gave in, hard as steel just like he trained her to be

Her last words were only for him

As she begged for him to leave his foolish life

Claiming the presence of a monster darker than herself

As her body grayed, daylight died

A single tear rolled down his cheek

As he lays awake at night, anxious or calm, nobody knows

Battling his own monsters, deep deep in the prison he calls home

Still ever paid in nothing but admiration and praise

His soul now a manifestation of the war-torn

Fearing nothing but this serenade