"I'll give you two options," I say.
"Stand by my side—or die. Make your decision."
He smiles.
I slash.His head falls.
"Drain!" I call.
Drain rushes toward me.
"Did you kill him?" he asks.
I don't answer.
I just smile.
I step forward.
The world glows.
The crowd looks at me like a hero.
"I offer you infinite freedom!" I shout.
The crowd erupts—
voices rising in joy.
Drain boards the ship.
Lia is with him.
"Nox," I call.
I mount.
Umbra appears.
We ride.
Drain and Lia follow us in their ship.
We move freely.
Stars shine above us.
The bond between us deepens.
Our speed increases.
Ahead—
a light appears on the path.
We move toward it.
Black light…