The Lord of Shades is walking through the Abyss.

It doesn't occur to them that the Abyss hasn't looked like this for millenia. It doesn't occur to them that the last thing they remember is their Voice's tear-stained face, telling them that it's going to be alright.

It doesn't even occur to them that they are not the Lord of Shades–that the Lord of Shades hasn't existed for centuries.

They simply walk, enjoying the rare moment of peace and quiet.

The past few decades have been... Busy, but enjoyable. Their kingdom is prospering. Their people are safe and happy. For the first time in a long time, they feel optimistic about the future. If they could, they would be smiling.

The moment ends as one of their advisors flutters up the path to them. No, wait–not an advisor. A messenger, as the pin on their lapel and their simpler, more practical outfit indicates. "My lord, I have a letter for you," the messenger gasps.

Now they recognize him. He's one of their most loyal servants, a mosquito named Orion. They lean down, taking a moment to make sure their joints bend the right way before they speak. "Catch your breath," they say softly. "The letter can wait."

Orion nods. He's clearly been flying for quite a while, and it might take him a few minutes to recover. The Lord of Shades takes note of the letter he's holding while they wait–stamped with the Radiance's seal.

Interesting. Her tribe has been closed to the world for quite a while now. They wonder with a tinge of concern what she has to say, but their messenger's health comes above their impatience.

"One of the Radiance's moths came by," he begins when he's ready. "They said they were an ambassador, but they didn't want to talk at all. Just made sure this letter would be delivered, and then..." His voice falters. "Vanished. Into thin air."

The Lord of Shades nods, feeling a hint of distaste. How... Immature of her, to try and frighten their people with such a simple trick. "Thank you, Orion." They hold out a clawed hand, and he passes them the letter.

It doesn't take them long to read it, but with every word, they get angrier and angrier. Even so, they can't help but feel amused, too. Does the Radiance truly think she can win a war against them?

Well, they are quite happy to prove her wrong.

Ghost wakes up with a jolt.

Half of them is still the Lord of Shades, calm and patient and so, so old. The other half of them is panicked and disturbed by the feeling of being someone else.

And yet, as it calms down and settles back into its body, it's pretty sure it was the Lord of Shades. At some point a very, very long time ago. But then something happened and they were... shattered?

It shakes its head, feeling a dull ache behind its temples. This is why they don't sleep. Their dreams are always confusing, terrifying, or both. And it doesn't even need to, so why bother?