242 BTFOM – The Devil’s Bargain
After Dawn’s passing, Damian wandered without aim, haunted but unbroken. In the ruins of an old temple, he met a devil who offered peace — the chance to forget his pain, and her.
He listened, but did not waver.
“Grief means I lived. I’ll keep it.”
The devil vanished, leaving only the echo of its laughter.
That night, Damian rekindled his purpose. If he could not age or die, then he would help others live — free, flawed, and fleeting, as they were meant to.
Even Flarereen felt it: his flame burned steadier, not brighter.