---- 248.


    SPECTRUM TREES SILAS Through these eyes that could pierce both bodies and dark hearts, I discovered the specters trapped within the trunks of those trees.


    Shadows filled with hatred.


    Their bodies had died and rotted, but their thirst for vengeance, their resentment, their spirits, remained imprisoned in these cages, where elementals were sent to die once they became useless.


    I stood up.


    Lightning illuminated the darkness.


    I called them with all my power.


    This was why this dark magic had brought me here.


    It was euphoric, eager to absorb and feed on these shadows.


    I didnt stop it this time.


    I let it explode in a wave of destruction that shattered the bark of the trunks, broke the chains, and set them free.


    "Come to me!" Icalled them with resolve.


    They would not be easily tamed, would not allow themselves to be controlled.


    They would not ept a master after just tasting freedom.


    But I needed their hatred, their resentment, their darkness, to strengthen mine, to be something truly fearsome.


    Howls and eerie sounds filled the night.


    Blood-red eyes devoured me, dark silhouettes of men and women closed in, surrounding me.


    One of them lungedthe first to challenge me.


    The shadow of a ---- man with ck ws and a roar from beyond the grave.


    Tsummoned my magic, drew my dagger, and struck at his intangible throat, swift and precise.


    For a second, doubt flickered in my mind.


    Could I even harm them? They had no flesh, no physical body.


    The chilling scream and the ck mist that began to absorb into my dagger confirmed it.


    Yes, I could.


    And so the battle began.


    It was them or me.


    Dominate or die.


    And I was not ready to die not now that I had found my light.


    "AAAHGGGRRRRI" I roared at the sky, thick with storm clouds.


    Magic surged around my broken body, a ck whirlwind spiraling relentlessly, expanding, growing stronger, destroying the specters that tried to consume me.


    let it all out.


    Blood streamed from my eyes, my mouth, my ears, my nose.


    My legs threatened to give out, my hands raw and burning, gripping the daggers as I shed and fought like a cornered beast.


    There were moments when all I wanted was rest.


    Eternal rest.


    But one image, one thought, kept me fighting, made me stand up again and again.


    Her warmth.


    The way she loved my ugliness.


    Her beautiful words.


    Hatred no longer ruled my senses.


    I wanted to be strong for her, for someone other than myself.