Death was near for him.

     Releasing his wife’s cold hand, Marco staggered out of their small bedroom, entering a hall streaked with blood. His vision swam with black spots as he struggled to maintain his grip on his sword. A vicious shriek rattled the walls. His heart clattered as he rounded the corner. Amynta. Reaching the hall’s sole door, he opened it slowly with his free hand, finding a nine-year-old girl sitting atop a black mat. Her black hair was a tangled mess. Marco loosed a breath and entered the space, eyes growing round. Amynta regarded him silently.

      He reached a hand forward; Amynta got up and took his hand without any hesitation.

      “Daddy?” she said. “Why are you covered in blood?”

      “There’s no time to explain, sweetheart. We have to go.”

     “Go where? Where’s Mommy?”

     “She’s….with your sisters.”

    An ache shot across his chest. He hated to lie. Adriana’s cold, lifeless gaze filtered through his field of vision, nearly stopping him right there. Another shriek jolted him back to his senses. He led Amynta down the hall. Heavy winds swirled down the length of the corridor, whipping his cheeks.

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   “Amynta,” Marco said. “Run when I tell you to. No arguing.”

   Amynta’s throat bobbed. “But—”

     “Listen to your father!”

     Not that far, now…. Marco took Amynta to the front of their home. Moonlight streamed through the small pane of glass, a swath of vegetation spread out in leagues beyond the confines of the house. Not here? Huh… Marco turned to Amynta. He patted her on the head and gave her a grim smile.

     “Run, Amy,” he said. “The Barbosa family is not meant to live long. We’re strong-willed, but we die young. I’m...almost forty. I don’t have much time left. But you...I have faith that you can break this curse. When you’re old enough, find it. The Crown of Despair. You’ll encounter many people who dislike you, my daughter. Don’t let it dissuade you. Live with courage. Protect your little sisters. Now, go.”

     Trails of tears flowed down Amynta’s cheeks. She sniffed; Marco swung his gaze towards the corridor. Light refracted along the length of a beast’s narrow, glass-covered skull. Blood dripped from its grey fur in a steady trickle. A Voidroamer. Adriana fought for as long as she could… Once he heard the door slam shut and could no longer feel Amynta’s presence, he brought the length of his sword against his throat.

Before the Voidroamer could pounce, Marco Barbosa slit his own throat.