Edwin stood beneath the rising morning sky, blood still fresh on his skin from the village massacre. The moonlight faded into dawn, casting a pale glow across the ruins.
He whispered to himself, "Where has the time gone…"
The silence was broken by a deep, mocking voice."Yes, you have grown stronger, young prince."
Edwin narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?" "I am you," the voice replied, amused.
"You're me?" Edwin said.
"Yes. I'm the part of you that wants to see you reach your goals. The part that doesn't hesitate." Edwin listened, breathing slowly.
"I will guide you to the top." Then a whisper.
"But at what cost?" Edwin froze. The words were soft, but heavy. The deep voice returned. "It's for the greater cause."
The whisper again. "But whose cause?" Edwin asked aloud, "Whose cause?" "Yours," the deep voice snapped. "To serve the supreme Lucifer."
Edwin blinked, reality snapping back into focus. Suddenly a survivor lunged from behind, spear in hand. The blade grazed his side, barely missing vital organs.
Edwin spun, broke the spear in half, and grabbed the attacker by the throat.It was a woman. "You almost had me," he said coldly.
She gasped, "You won't win…" "What makes you say that?" Edwin replied.
"Because… we have the heroes." Edwin's grip loosened. "Heroes?" "Yes… Luke, Sophie, Ice… and Thomas."
Edwin's face twisted at the mention of Thomas. He leaned in. "Where are your heroes now?"
She tried to speak but Edwin tightened his grip until her body went limp. He dropped her to the ground. Without another word, Edwin rose into the sky, blood trailing behind him, and flew toward New Heaven City.