Mikhail was jolted awake at dawn by a huge rumbling eruption, a strong pull within him wanting to go to the throne. The mountain beckoning to him. Animus confirmed that it was time to go. He felt a small thread of dread as he remembered the dreams that haunted his sleep and shuddered slightly.
A gentle hand pressed his arm.
“Are you okay?” Natalie asked.
“I’m fine.” Mikhail turned and cupped her cheek with one hand, leaning down he pressed his lips against hers reverently. “I love you…wait here for me.”
“I love you too, Mikhail…with all my heart.”
Mikhail smiled to hear those words, so important to him, then turned back to the steps and took in a deep breath as he looked up at the colossal mountain before him standing alone in the center of everything, wrapped in its darkness and
