Inside a magnificent grand chamber, rays of golden sunlight filtered through the window, falling upon a young man with his eyes tightly shut.
Slowly, they fluttered faintly, then with a soft groan, snapped open to reveal a striking crimson gaze.
Inhaling sharply, Ulric sat upright, his gaze sweeping across the room where the others lay snugly asleep.
Carefully, he removed Lyra from his embrace. Her eyes fluttered for a moment but soon sank back into sleep.
Rising to his feet, a smile slowly spread across his face. He felt fully refreshed and more than that, he could feel massive reserves of energy thrumming deep within him.
If it were any other time, he would have rushed into a dungeon and gone on a murderous spree. But now, he had other plans.
Walking to the center of the room, a mist of darkness rose to envelop him. When it receded, all impurities clinging to his body had been purged as he slipped back into his robe.
