I watch as the dark haired elf gathers Anna in his arms and carries away the last piece of my heart.

My heart is torn as I'm forces to be seperated from Anna, but I have no choice. This is the only way to keep her safe, the only way to ensure that she will live in peace.

I wrap my cloak tighter around myself as I disappear into the shadows of the trees. I turn my back on the only family I have left. I leave the one I failed to protect.

She will be safer among the elves of Mirkwood than she would be with me. I leave the forest without even thinking of going back, I'm on my own now.

I have no family, no friends, I am alone.

I will never see Anna again.

////

I return to our home but walk right past it. I enter the small wooded area by the stream. I step over it and crouch down beside the trunk of a tree.

I dig with my hands in the soft earth, revealing a hollow spot made by the roots of the tree. This is where I hid the dagger.

I grab it and lift it out of the dirt. It shows no sign of having been buried for all those months.

I close my eyes and savor the power that runs through me. There is only one person who can wield the power that this dagger carries, and that person is me.

I stand up and clutch the handle of the dagger with both hands. More of the dark power runs through me and I let it.

Wind begins to blow, buffeting my cloak and sending my hair flying in all directions. My eyes are closed as I finally give in.

I no longer want to feel any fear.
No more sorrow.
No more pity.

My heart has been broken for the last time. I will refuse to let it mend only to have it torn apart again.

It is time for Caran to die.

////

"Is this truly what you desire?"
Amarth stalks towards me with his swords drawn. I am on my knees in the middle of my burning village.

No.

It is not my village anymore.
The Avari are no longer my people.

I look Amarth dead in the eyes. I no longer beg him for mercy, nor do I try and fight him.

I'm done fighting. I'm ready to give in.

"Kill me."
It's an order, not a request.

Amarth smirks and stalks forward.
"I'm glad that you finally made your choice."

He raises his swords above me and whispers, "Goodbye Caran."

He brings his swords down.

And Caran is no more.

////

I open my eyes and take in a deep breath. The wind has died down to nothing more than a small breeze.

Everything about me has changed. My hair is completly black, my cloak is black as well, the edges are torn at the bottom and my eyes once again have their uncanny glow.

I have no memories of my past. Everything that once caused me pain is no more.
It means nothing to me now.

My heart has been turned to ice, and nothing can brake it.

No one will ever be able to hurt me again.

I will make no alliance with anyone.

I belong to no one.

No one can control me.

I am a ghost that walks the earth unseen.

I have become a shadow.

I have become darkness.

I have become Amarth.

//// End of Part 2 ////