Alexander Asmodeus burned.
His existence burned with fire that exceeded physical flame, with heat that exceeded thermal measurement, with pain that exceeded anything THE Living Law had warned him about when they first began their partnership.
Every aspect of his Civilization was being consumed to fuel elevation that he had never asked for, advancement that he had never sought, power that was being purchased with currency he could not afford.
And yet he could not stop.
The brand of Horus blazed on his forehead with crimson light that commanded obedience beyond resistance. His body sat in meditative position against his will. His Civilization cycled through cultivation patterns that his consciousness had not chosen. His Depth, which had been approaching Fundamental before the eyes opened, now burned at heights that should have been impossible.
He had already become Absolute.
