In a place beyond reality, in a dimension where light had never existed and never would, the Abyss stretched infinitely in all directions. The golden light that was Raze's soul pulsed weakly, its glow diminishing with each passing moment.
Thump.
The darkness began to surge forward, hungry tendrils reaching toward the dying spark with malevolent intent. This was the Abyss performing its primary function, consuming what didn't belong and breaking it down into nothing.
The tendrils closed around the golden light, preparing to smother it completely.
"Stop."
The single word carried absolute authority, freezing the consuming darkness mid advance. The tendrils halted as if striking invisible wall, their progress arrested by command that could not be disobeyed.
Then the light changed.
Pulse.
