"Excerpt from the Chronicles of Three Great Gods, 13th day of Autumn's End, 1454."

  Illuthar, the foremost haven and final sanctuary for the free people of Aerkha, braced itself for the onset of winter. Another day, another fight for Orion was drawing to a close.

  As the sun's radiance dissipated into the moonless, starless sky at the end of a frigid, gusty autumn afternoon, it was nearly time for yet another night, another battle for Therion.

  Demian watched in solemn silence as the inevitable scene played out, turning the wheels of fate in this ultimate cycle.

  * * *

  As the storm raged on outside, a murky and ominous recollection stirred within Alexander Cahosse, a retired knight who resided in his mansion at the eastern edge of Anthedia, the northernmost city of Illuthar. Through the narrow slits of his barred window, he watched as the heavens unleashed their wrath, unleashing a torrent of rain and lightning that foretold of a tumultuous night ahead.

  But for Alex, the storm had a more profound significance. It evoked the memories of the war, the grim and shadowy epoch he had hoped to banish from his mind. He could still feel the dampness of the rain that had fallen on the day he was cursed and wounded, and the memory of the black-robed wizard who had cast the curse spell still haunted him, like a specter lurking in the shadows.

  As he pondered these fragmented memories, the storm grew in ferocity, rattling the window panes and shaking the foundations of his mansion. But eventually, the storm abated, and the memories faded away like smoke in the wind.

  After retiring from his illustrious career as a knight, Alex had returned to his hometown, where he had lived for the past three years. But the man who had once been hailed as a war hero was now a mere shadow of his former self, an ordinary nobleman and a once-prosperous merchant, struggling to come to terms with the horrors of his past.

  Alex cast a bitter smile as he looked behind him. His beloved wife, Alleyna, was writhing in pain, her body contorted with the agony of childbirth. He walked over to her and tenderly wiped the sweat from her face with a damp cloth. Despite her severe fever, Alleyna endured the pain with admirable fortitude, but it was rapidly escalating beyond her control.

  Alex worriedly pondered the whereabouts of Alleyna's twin, Leandra. She had departed hours ago to fetch a specialized midwife for her sister's delivery, and time seemed to crawl by ever so slowly. As the moments passed, Alex's apprehension swelled. The man made up his mind that he must search for Leandra, even if it meant braving the inclement weather alone. Limping from the room, he stepped out into the empty, chilly corridor.

  The wide hallway had once been adorned with an array of exquisite art pieces, from sculptures and reliefs to paintings. However, most of them had been sold for a pittance. Alex's thoughts turned to the God of Light, Orion, as they had done for the past nine months. He silently implored Orion, pleading for forgiveness for his wife and child, and offering himself up in their stead.

  Alex descended the bifurcated stairs with a slow and cautious gait, his footsteps echoing in the empty hall. He headed towards the grand entrance, where a solitary candle flickered in the massive chandelier that hung from the high ceiling.

  The dim light cast deep shadows in the corners of the anteroom, and Alex thought he saw some movement in the darkness as if the mansion was besieged by creatures lurking in the shadows. He shivered as he felt a sinister presence creeping up behind him, whispering, growling, and rustling in the stillness of the night. But somehow, he managed to dismiss it, deciding that his tired mind playing tricks on him. The Cahosse family was no longer wealthy enough to afford servants, so there was no one else in the mansion except him and his wife.

  Just as he reached the foot of the stairs, a loud pounding on the massive double doors startled him. The incessant knocking reverberated through the mansion, punctuated by bright flashes of lightning that illuminated the entrance hall.

  "Speaking of the devil, Leandra must have finally arrived," grumbled Alex as he limped towards the door, his heart pounding in his chest.

  As Alex swung open one half of the double door, a barrage of raindrops and flashes of successive lightning rushed at him, led by the howling wind. Dazzled and drenched, he struggled to see who stood in the doorway. The deafening rumble of the lightning was like a strange and chaotic melody, reminiscent of snare drum beats, almost like a cacophony.

  Alex was startled, looking at the person in front of him with a confused expression. An unexpected guest, dressed in a dark gray cloak and a gray hooded hat, stood before him. The tall, round-faced old man had a fluffy white beard and long wavy hair that fell over his shoulders, and countless wrinkles on his smiling face, especially on his broad and puffy cheeks. The long, curved cane he carried resembled a magic staff, and Alex suspected that the old man was a wizard, which made him hate him even more.

  Although the old man's sudden appearance at the door startled him, a faint, deep voice inside Alex whispered that the old man was there to help. It had been a long time since he had heard his inner voice. The retired knight wanted to trust his instincts. He took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and asked in a stern tone, "Who are you, old man?"

  The stranger removed his hat and gave a short salute, revealing a sparsely-haired head with numerous spots.

  "Greetings, Sir Alexander Cahosse. I am Elaphar Sarcastic, a wandering sage, healer, and herbalist. In many lands, I am also known as the Sandman. I have come for the birth, sir. You must be expecting me," he said, introducing himself warmly.

  "Leandra sent you?" Alex inquired.

  The old man simply nodded serenely, waiting to be invited in.

  Lightning struck one after the other, dazzling Alex's bloodshot eyes. He lowered his head, trembling with fear, anxiety, and insomnia that had slowly eroded his mind. He struggled to think straight, trying to stand upright despite the wheel of fate turning against him for so long. The right decisions were long behind him, and he was half-aware that he was walking a dark road built on mistakes.

  "Where is Leandra?" Alex asked the unexpected guest, studying his face with half-asleep eyes.

  The old sage smiled warmly, a halo of pure light shining over his face and body. It contrasted with the darkness surrounding the house and gave Alex a sense of relief.

  Suddenly, a roar of thunder accompanied by a cry of pain from upstairs shook the mansion, creating a new cacophony. The ragged notes scratched at Alex's mind and soul, and his wife's moan of pain was the last straw. He was on the brink of collapsing.

  "Please come in," Alex greeted the old sage, just as he was about to fall, unable to bear the sudden, severe pain in his left leg.

  With an agility unexpected for his age, Elaphar grabbed Alex, who was fainting from the pain, and lifted him into a hug with a surprising strength.

  "You have endured your ordeal with true fortitude, honorable knight. I wish I had noticed your helpless struggle sooner," he whispered as if speaking to a conscious man.

  As Elaphar ascended the staircase, he carefully cradled the young man in his arms, gently placing him onto a comfortable brown leather armchair beside the woman lying in the bed. The sage then proceeded to examine the woman's condition, his experienced hands deftly checking her pulse and breathing. As if in response to the calming presence of the healer, the tumultuous storm outside gradually subsided, the once-raging rain now reduced to a tranquil drizzle akin to a contented feline's purr.

  Upon waking to the sounds emanating from below, Alleyna slowly opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings. As she gazed upon the room, she felt a sense of joy fill her heart when she saw her beloved husband slumbering serenely on the armchair next to her. Despite having borne witness to his ordeal for nine long months, she had been powerless to intervene. For Alleyna was herself enduring an interminable cycle of nightmares and escalating darkness. Hers was much different.

  Having strong senses from birth, Alleyna perceived a distinctive quality within the chamber. Although the only source of illumination was a solitary candle resting atop a plain nightstand crafted from walnut wood, it was as if the interior of the room, if not the entirety of the mansion, was suffused with an immense spiritual energy. She noticed the figure standing beside her.

  "Behold the source of the radiance," she murmured.

  "How do you fare, Lady Alleyna Ilia Cahosse?" intoned the venerable sage, his voice as soft as the whisper of the wind, his countenance marked by a gentle smile.

  The woman reciprocated his smile. None knew her middle name save her sister, yet the old guest did. A sense of relief washed over Alleyna at the sage's greeting. She lifted her head slightly and endeavored to sit up straight.

  "I am better, revered sage," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your presence is a blessing. The gods have finally answered our prayers."

  Elaphar placed his hand over his chest and offered his salutations.

  "Take care not to overexert yourself, my lady. The most arduous trials yet await you."

  "I am prepared," she lied, for although her fever had abated somewhat, her entire being was wracked with agony and pain that was truly excruciating.

  She scanned the room with her anxious gaze, her comely features contorted with a tinge of bitterness and a hint of urgency.

  "Where is Leandra? She should be here," she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

  "Alas, your twin sister won't be present at the birth. Your devotion and loyalty to her are commendable, despite her actions," replied Elaphar, the esteemed sage, his tone gentle but firm.

  "I implore you, do not punish Leandra. It was not her fault. That accursed man manipulated and brainwashed her. I beg for your mercy and forgiveness," pleaded the red-haired woman, her hands clasped together in supplication.

  Her words came out faltering, barely audible.

  "I did not come to mete out justice, my lady. My purpose is to witness the birth. The fates shall determine the destiny and punishment of your twin. I am merely present for the child and..." Elaphar trailed off, his voice subdued.

  The elderly man fell silent and bowed his head. The woman looked slightly relieved but urged him to continue.

  "And?" she inquired, raising her crimson eyebrows with her emerald gaze fixed on him.

  Elaphar blushed like a child and continued hesitantly, "Unfortunately, it is highly probable that you shall not survive this birthing."

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  The woman bowed her head with solemn acquiescence. Then she gazed up at her slumbering husband, his countenance placid and serene.

  "And what of Alex? Will he rise to the occasion?" she inquired, her voice laden with trepidation.

  The ancient sage cast a fleeting glance at the sleeping knight.

  "Only the gods can foresee that outcome. He has withstood the test of time, sturdy and resolute, though perhaps not to the extent of your unyielding spirit. He may yet prevail."

  "And if he falters, who will safeguard our child?"

  The sage hesitated before responding, for he understood that Alleyna's thoughts were fixed solely on the safety of those she cherished, without regard for her own well-being.

  "I shall make the necessary arrangements, my lady," he eventually replied.

  The woman shook her head in protest.

  "I implore you, grant Leandra one final chance. I trust that she will provide the best care for my child."

  Elaphar shook his head in dismay, not answering the woman's plea. He clasped his hands behind his back and paced the room, pausing occasionally to stroke his long chin beard. The rain outside intensified, and the darkness of the neglected woods surrounding the mansion grew more ominous. Lightning flashed in quick succession, heralding bad omens.

  "Bad omens." he whispered.

  A few moments later, the woman's piercing screams mixed with the thunderous lightning, filling the room and echoing throughout the mansion. Alex jumped out of his chair, awakened by a sudden pain in his leg, and groaned with agony as he tried to calm his beloved wife.

  "This is just the beginning," the old sage muttered, his brows furrowed in concern. He slammed his staff on the ground and turned on his heels.

  "Wise master? When did I come here? Has it begun?" cried Alex in a panic. The woman continued to moan loudly.

  "Stay calm like a stone, Sir Alexander. I carried you here after you passed out. Yes, the labor has begun. Now, fetch us water and towels, for that is all we require," Elaphar commanded.

  "And perhaps a little more prayer," the old man muttered as Alex rushed out of the room to follow his orders.

  The sounds of agony, harbingers of imminent childbirth, were enough to stifle Alex's thoughts, which had just begun to stir after a brief slumber. He clenched his teeth and strove to conceal his concern. The old sage was his only hope.

  Elaphar was engrossed in the birthing process, occasionally requesting a towel from Alex, which he dipped in the bucket of water, possibly heated by arcane means, and used to cleanse the blood-stained liquid before discarding it. Alex could do nothing but hold his wife's hand and reassure her with his presence. The woman's cries echoed throughout the chamber, unabated.

  "Is this normal?" cried the weary man, finally succumbing to his anxiety.

  "Nothing is normal today, Sir Alex. In truth, it would be more accurate to say that nothing has been normal in your household for the past year. The source of this cursed affliction dates back much further." Elaphar responded, without looking up from his work.

  "What do you mean, venerable sage? Is it related to the cursed wound on my leg? Is this the work of the dark mage?"

  The old man raised his head and fixed his gaze on Alex. The shadows that enshrouded the room became more distinct as he moved away from the task at hand.

  Alex surveyed his surroundings, petrified with terror. He attempted to articulate his thoughts to the old sage, to bring his attention to the growing darkness. He now realized that they were besieged by unseen malevolent forces. His words were stifled in his throat. He had never been so frightened in his life. Standing beside Alleyna, he suddenly collapsed onto the bed. It was then that Alex barely noticed the dark shadows scurrying away as the old sage struck his staff forcefully on the ground. The wizard was their only hope, and even the malevolent forces seemed to fear him.

  "I trust that you now see the wisdom in heeding my advice, Sir Alexander," chided Sage Sarcastic, his tone reproachful and impatient. "Complicated explanations can wait until after the birth."

  As the old sage worked his magic, the oppressive shadows were dispelled by a radiant light, leaving Alex feeling a sense of relief and purification. Though he knew the darkness still lingered, he was grateful to have the skilled wizard by his side.

  "Thank you, Wise Sarcastic," the retired knight trembled, his voice filled with gratitude. "It's as if Great Orion has finally heard our pleas and sent you to us."

  Suddenly, the room fell silent, as if the world had paused. The rain ceased, the wind stilled, and the woman's cries of agony subsided into a trembling, uneasy silence. At that moment, Alex was torn between looking at his wife or the newborn child.

  Then, at last, the cries of a healthy baby girl filled the room, and Elaphar emerged, beaming with pride. "A blessing from the heavens, Sir Alexander," he declared.

  The old man placed the newborn in Alleyna's arms. The unconscious woman, her body limp and lifeless, suddenly stirred as if awoken from a deep slumber. It was as if a potent elixir had been administered, for the woman's pallor soon gave way to a rosy flush, and a radiant smile lit up her face.

  If time itself had frozen, encapsulating this moment of pure bliss, Alex and Aleyna would cherish it for eternity. They exchanged knowing grins and gazed upon their progeny, savoring this idyllic moment that they had long yearned for.

  "Allendra Cahosse," Alleyna whispered softly, and the plump and rosy-cheeked baby cooed in response. Meanwhile, Alex attended to the newborn with a tenderness and devotion that spoke volumes about his paternal instincts. With a soft, damp cloth, he gently cleansed the infant, his movements slow and deliberate as if he were performing a sacred ritual.

  "We owe you our deepest gratitude, master," Alex said, his voice choked with emotion.

  But the old sage's expression remained grim, his gaze fixed on the darkening sky outside the window. The clouds churned and roiled, gathering for a final act. The shadows in the grove shifted and writhed, drawing closer in a malevolent embrace. The gleaming eyes of the creatures of the night blinked open and closed, like hungry predators preparing to strike.

  "The night is not yet over," the old man said, stroking his long beard thoughtfully. "The omens of evil still linger."

  With his gnarled staff firmly in hand, Elaphar tapped the aged wooden floor, deep in thought. Abruptly, he spun around on his heel and strode purposefully towards Alleyna, who cradled her newborn daughter, her face contorted with pain.

  The sage's gentle hand rested on Alleyna's forehead, feeling the heat radiating off her skin. Her fever had risen alarmingly, and she was barely holding on, desperate to nourish her newborn. Elaphar placed his other hand on Alleyna's belly, applying a gentle pressure. The woman let out a guttural moan, writhing in agony as the sage searched for any sign of what was causing her pain.

  "Apologies," the old sage said, his voice trembling with realization.

  "What troubles you, master?" Alex asked with fear gripping his heart.

  "There's something amiss... another babe," Elaphar exclaimed, pointing to Alleyna's barely swollen belly.

  "Twins?" Alex's reaction was unsurprised, considering Alleyna and Leandra were also identical twins. The probability ran in their blood.

  Elaphar gulped, the expression on his face casting doubt upon Alex.

  "If I attempt to deliver the babe, your beloved wife may not bear the pain," Elaphar revealed the truth in one breath.

  Alex shook his head in disbelief.

  "Yet if I do not, neither may survive."

  "Is the second child alive?" Alex inquired anxiously.

  "I do not know," the sage replied, his voice heavy with sadness.

  "What is thy intention?" Elaphar murmured to himself, his voice hushed and reverent. "Is this babe to be ensconced in the shadows, nurtured in secrecy by arcane arts, or is it the second child thou sought, transfigured by the darkness?" His keen eyes roamed the dimly-lit chambers, as if seeking an answer from the very walls themselves. The silence that greeted him was as oppressive as the darkness that enshrouded the mansion, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside.

  Thunder rolled and rain pelted the roof, echoing the woman's anguished cries. The cacophony surged to a deafening crescendo, causing Alex to cower and cover his ears. The former knight wailed and prayed to the Lord of Light and Orion, beseeching them to spare his wife's life and offering his own in exchange.

  "Oh, mighty God of Light, Orion, hear my plea and safeguard my dearest wife! Though it may cost me my own life, spare her from harm's way! Oh, blessed Angels of Light, I implore you to spread your holy wings over Alleyna and keep her from all harm!"

  Undaunted by the clamor of the storm, Elaphar continued with his task, carefully delving into the woman's womb until he extracted the being within. The frenzied clamor of the elements grew more intense, blanketing the room in darkness for a moment before the light returned. Alex raised his eyes to the ceiling, offering a final supplication before locking his gaze sternly onto the old sage.

  "Reveal it to me," he commanded.

  Elaphar shook his head gravely. "Beholding it can drive thee to the brink of madness," he warned.

  But Alex was stubborn, and he strode towards the bed. The sage backed away, urging him not to venture any closer, but it was to no avail.

  With a blank expression, Alex peered upon the obsidian-colored creature, its skeletal form and exposed bones bearing witness to its tragic existence. It bore a semblance to a human, yet its distorted features and twisted limbs set it apart. What struck Alex the most was the faint rise and fall of its chest, the feeble moans escaping from its pallid lips.

  "She is alive," he exclaimed, his eyes widening in wonder.

  Elaphar ran his fingers through his unkempt hair. "This is not life," he murmured somberly.

  Alex collapsed onto the ground, his teeth grinding together as he bit down on his fist to muffle his anguished screams. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to maintain self-control, the overwhelming pain threatening to shatter his resolve.

  Abruptly, the world ceased its tumultuous spinning. The rain ceased its pelting, the sky quieted, and the woman's agonizing cries were silenced.

  Elaphar sprinted to the woman's side, clutching her lifeless body and her children in his arms. He searched for a pulse, but there was none. A solemn prayer whispered past his lips as he paid his last respects to Alleyna, then focused his attention on the newborns. The first-born child was wailing, but the second was still and ashen, as though consumed by dark magic.

  Concern etched Elaphar's face as he scrutinized the twins. He recognized this occurrence, and he knew what it signified.

  "The souls of these twins are inextricably bound," he whispered, his voice quivering with emotion. "You must bestow a name upon the second child, Alex. It is the only way to keep it alive."

  Alex gazed at his beloved wife, her serene visage lending him the fortitude to rise. He approached her, attempting to awaken Alleyna from her slumber.

  "Alleyna, awaken," he implored. "Our second child has arrived. We must name her."

  Yet, she had already passed on, her skin icy and unresponsive. Alex clenched his fists, his heart breaking with sorrow, but Elaphar urged him to remain steadfast.

  "You must give this child a name from your heart," the sage intoned, his voice laced with grief. "It is imperative."

  The aged sage wished to leave the grieving man to his sorrow, but time was of the essence. Elaphar persevered, despite the man's emotional outburst.

  "Leave me be, old man! Allow me to bid farewell to my cherished wife. What's the point in naming this abomination that's about to perish!" The frail man wailed, tears streaming down his face.

  Elaphar permitted the man to be alone for a moment, watching the rain and grove with one eye, while observing the presence on the ground with the other.

  "If you do not give her a name, she will not possess a soul, Alex." He said sternly.

  The feeble man carefully laid his wife down on the bed and stood up.

  "What will you do, Master Elaphar? Tell me. Will you administer special fluids and heal her wounds with magic? Does this being have any hope, even the slightest chance?" Alex asked, his voice quivering.

  Elaphar shook his head. "No, it is impossible. She is fading away, about to depart from this world."

  "Then why bother?" Alex questioned.

  The sage pointed to the infant lying on the floor, barely alive, half-dead on the sheets.

  "She cannot survive in this body. She is fading away, and with her, Allendra is slipping away too. Unfortunately, Allendra requires the other's essence to survive. They are intertwined."

  Alex approached his peacefully sleeping daughter on the bed, listening to her shallow breaths. Indeed, her breathing had slowed.

  "I don't understand anything." The feeble man cried, nearly tearing his hair out.

  "Be brave one last time, damn knight. Give your second daughter a meaningful name with all your heart. I will take care of the rest. You must trust me. You have no other choice if you wish to save Allendra. The creatures of the night lurk outside like hungry wolves, waiting for this being to wither away. The sky is torn apart, spewing animosity. What do you think it signifies? There are numerous things you do not comprehend. I don't have the time to explain them all to you right now, and you lack the power to grasp the truth. Give her a name!"

  Elaphar's wrath had finally erupted and the malevolent darkness lurking in the chamber was vanquished as the blinded shadows scattered in terror before the overwhelming force of radiant light emanating from the halo encircling the old mage. Alex fell to his knees, a wave of relief washing over him, perhaps due to the blessed air's release of tension.

  "Elia Cahosse," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion as he fulfilled his beloved wife's final wish. Tears cascaded down his face, each drop a testament to the weight of his grief and the depth of his love for her.

  For Alex, the fine line between sanity and madness was a precarious one, and he struggled to recall the events that followed.

  He recollected the old sorcerer chanting ancient incantations, his spellcasting a blur of motion and sound. The abominable infant's shrieks echoed like the banshee's wail, tearing at Alex's soul with their hideousness. The wise man's fingers danced in an intricate pattern, directing the blackened and charred soul as it detached from the doomed infant and drifted toward the other baby girl. With a final gasp, the two souls merged into one, becoming Allendra's.

  At that moment, something inside Alex snapped, never to be repaired. The scarring of his mind and soul would be permanent, a haunting reminder of the terrible price he had paid to save his daughter.