“What do you mean?” Davien asked. Lord Death began fading into the darkness, his bone-white skeletal face dissolving like salt in water. Only his amber-colored eyes remained, lingering intensely on Davien.

Then, the pain began.

Davien could feel his chest burning, crimson flames fusing into his chest, emitting black smoke. He screamed in agony as a mark branded itself as not his soul. A cold, callous laugh echoed throughout the void.

“You have kept the monster inside for too long. It’s time to let it out, let it howl at that scarlet moon. It’s time for you, Davien Marrick, Heir of Darkness, to become my champion. Arise, Wraith King!”

. . .

Elaina was in disbelief. Davien was alive! He laid in the bed gasping for air, eyes wide with fear. Elaina rushed over to the bed and wrapped her arms around him.

“You’re back!” she exclaimed, tears running down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you’re back.”

“Elaina,” Davien croaked. “Please-“

“Give him some space Your Highness! He just came back to life. Don’t smother him,” Galen said from behind. Elaina stepped aside and wiped the tears off her face. She’s waiting so long to look into her lover’s eyes again. Only…they weren’t entirely his now.

“Davien? Your eyes-“ the iris was crimson instead of the chocolate brown she’s grown to love. She felt his hand push her back, keeping her away.

“I need you and Galen to go. And seal the door behind you!”

“Why?!” Elaina exclaimed. She just got her lover back, there was no way in hell she was going to leave him again. Davien turned to the window, sweat pouring down his face. He was scared, but why?

“Because Death brought me back to kill you.”