“Throughout the ages I’ve been called many things, and I have never been partial to Necrovar.” His voice was melodic, seductive, dangerous. “It simply means ‘darkness’—it doesn’t capture who I am. You could call me the Lord of Shadow Lords, the Great Mage, Prince of Demons—”
“Or Helkryvt,” she interrupted.
The fiery pinpricks flickered. “I don’t go by that name anymore.”
“Why’d you do it, Helkryvt? Why let the physical manifestation of evil into your soul?” She didn’t know why she was goading him—she was easy prey without her sword.
A low rumble emanated from Necrovar, a growl more tangible than audible. It hummed in Keriya’s chest, dark and sinister. “I wanted to eradicate evil. Helkryvt was a human who wanted the same thing. I had the power to do so, but not the ability to wield; he
