Kael woke screaming.
The shadow was there, pressing against his consciousness like a cold hand on his soul. It whispered to him in the darkness, its voice ancient and patient, filled with promises of power and freedom.
"You cannot hold me forever," it said. "I am eternal. I am the darkness that was born when the light was first created. You are just a mortal, bound to a fragile body. You will grow old. You will die. And when you do, I will be free."
Kael clutched his head, his body trembling. "I won't let you. I'll find a way to contain you forever."
The shadow laughed—a cold, hollow sound. "You can't. No one can. The Son of Light tried, and he failed. You are no different."
Kael gritted his teeth, pushing back against the shadow. "I am different. I chose this. I chose to carry you. A
