We rode like the wind across the vast expanse of rugged plains. Ebonheart, with its crumbling buildings and filthy streets, receded in the distance, a grim backdrop to our exodus.

  “Erebos,” Evangeline said suddenly, her voice cutting through my thoughts.

  “What?” I looked over my shoulder.

  “That’s what we should call your horse. It suits him, don’t you think?”

  “Erebos,” I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. It seemed fitting. The horse snorted in response. Its burning eyes flashed with approval.

  “Does that mean he likes it?” Evangeline asked.

  “Seems so.”

  The wind picked up, carrying with it the whisper of ancient secrets and the promise of power. Erebos whinnied, the sound echoing across the barren landscape. His steps left smoldering prints in the cracked earth.

  Evangeline tightened her embrace around my waist and rest her head on my back. As we continued riding, she began to hum a soft tune. Soon, the melody blossomed into a full-fledged song that drifted from her lips.

  “From ashes, I rise, reborn in the night,

  My past a whisper, a fading light.

  A storm of darkness, a hand outstretched,

  A savior from shadows, my fate he fetched.”

  I listened intently to the lyrics of the hauntingly beautiful tune that spoke of loss and rebirth. It was a song that resonated with the bleak landscape around us.

  “He stands alone, a king uncrowned,

  A name revered, and power profound.

  A heart of stone, yet walks unseen.

  From the shadows, he reigns supreme.”

  I smiled to myself. Her voice grew stronger, infused with an energy that sent a shiver through my bones.

  “I saw in him a broken soul,

  He saw my strength and made me whole.

  A shattered past, a phoenix bold,

  In his embrace, my life unfolds.”

  Her song continued, rising to a powerful ballad of devotion and surrender.

  Stolen story; please report.

  “He is my king, my heart’s desire,

  My guiding star, my burning fire.

  From darkest night to brightest day,

  My reigning lord, he leads the way.”

  She went on to sing of my battles, of the evil I vanquished, of the darkness I had conquered. Each verse was a testament to my power, a hymn to my strength.

  “The shadows tremble, the wicked fear,

  For he is coming, his wrath is near.

  With blade in hand, he stands so tall,

  He is my king—he conquers all.”

  My heart swelled in triumph. Her voice softened as she approached the outro.

  “My past is gone, a fading dream,

  Begin anew, like a flowing stream.

  In his shadow, I find my place,

  A warrior’s heart, his loyal grace.”

  She held the last note and then hummed the melody once more. When she finished, she let out a deep, contented sigh.

  “That was… lovely,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. The way she wove tales of my strength, cunning, and charisma felt just right. Each verse was a celebration of my victories, both real and imagined. A flush of warmth spread through me, a rare sensation I’d only entertained while in her presence. Evangeline understood what I craved. She stroked my ego in a way that was both subtle and intoxicating. “You capture me perfectly.” I looked over my shoulder at her. “Every detail, every nuance. You truly see me, Evangeline.”

  Her face lit up with a genuine smile, something I’d not seen from her in a long time. “You inspire me, my lord. I will compose it in my journal when I get a chance.” She paused, her smile faltering slightly. “Now that all my old songs and compositions have been destroyed, it’s time to start fresh.”

  “Your new songs will be far, far better,” I assured her.

  Her smile returned. “Thank you, my lord.”

  I turned back to the vast stretch of land before us. Erebos galloped steadily along the ashen ground, its fiery eyes focused ahead.

  “I’m curious. Why did you choose to sing about a king?” I asked Evangeline. As far as I knew, she was unaware of my prophesied destiny.

  She shifted slightly behind me. “It just… felt right, I guess. The lyrics flowed naturally, like a story unfolding in my mind. I suppose it’s also because, in these dark times, people yearn for a leader, someone to guide them, to protect them. Someone to bring order to the chaos.” She paused in thought. “They yearn for a king.”

  “And do you yearn for a king?” I asked. I listened carefully, curious about her true feelings and desires.

  She was silent again for a moment. Then she replied, her voice barely a whisper, “I yearn for someone who is strong, someone who can stand against the darkness, someone who can bring order to this broken world. Someone who is not afraid to take charge.” She paused, then added with a small smile, “Perhaps that’s why I am so drawn to you, my lord.”

  I smiled to myself, satisfied by her answer. “You have a keen eye, my dear. You see what others fail to see. You see my power, my potential. You are right to yearn for a king. For only a king can bring true order to this world.”

  “Ever since that night when you defeated the fiend, I knew you were destined for greatness,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. “I feel it now more than ever in my heart. You have a power that is unlike any other. A presence that commands respect.”

  “Well…” I placed my hand over hers that were clasped around my waist. My thumb gently stroked the back of her hand. “If I am to be your king, then it is only fitting you be my queen.” I glanced behind me and smirked.

  “Queen?” she echoed, her voice laced with a playful challenge. “Oh, my. That is a tall order, my lord. I think for now, I’m content just being your bard, your shadow, your muse.”

  I chuckled. “As you wish, my dear. But know this: your loyalty will be rewarded. You’ll have a place at my side, a place of power and influence. A place worthy of your talents that no other can claim.” An idea took root, a subtle seed of ambition that fed into my dominion. I envisioned a court of powerful queens at my side, each with their own unique talents and strengths, each devoted to me, and contributing to my reign.

  I remained one with my thoughts as we rode on. We left behind the remnants of the old world, of shattered dreams and broken promises. Aetheria’s desolate lands stretched before me now, a blank canvas upon which I would paint my new destiny.

  Hours passed, and the sun had set, blending the sky in shades of crimson and gold. I glanced behind me at Evangeline, who was leaned against my back, sleeping peacefully. She had witnessed just a glimpse of my inner shadows, and yet she remained loyal and inspired. Her devotion was a source of strength and confidence as I embraced this treacherous path that Valic had laid before me.

  A wicked smile spread across my face. Aetheria would soon tremble to the new order I would instill. To the vengeance I promised to bring.

  For I was the Dread Lord’s servant, and I would not fail him.

  END OF BOOK 1

  Realms & Mortals on I am also writing, which takes place in the same universe.

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