PART 1

Xerath laid his wife on the bed and brushed her cheek.

“Ow.” she frowned.

Her stomach and arm were still healing from the ambush back in Unari. They had traveled to Xerixes before finding out the whole country was nearly destroyed.

Shonax, Uqeon, Xorya, Aslone, and even Calchester had all been overrun by the aliens. Xerath had called any who survived to gather in the capital to make a stand against the menace. So far, few had responded, either dead or fleeing. A few groups of Vulkirians had arrived, battered and hungry, also defeated. They had brought word that Qutreth, like the others, had fallen.

Rayman had been at a loss upon finding out his wife and children were most likely dead. General Torstein had fallen while defending the city. So much death and pain and it was only just the beginning.

There wasn’t much anyone could do, though his people still looked to him for a solution. His only recourse was to make a stand in the greatest city in Isulia. Here, they would defeat the horde like they had in Unari.

His courage had slowly dissipated, however, upon hearing the Thrak were numbered in the millions. Everyone’s heart sank and hope was a dim light, covered by a canopy of dread.

“How are you feeling?” he asked Cara.

“It still hurts, but I am fine.” she smiled. “You should go. Your people need you.”

“I want to stay with you,” Xerath said while knowing he couldn’t but he wanted to be with her for as long as possible.

“I know,” Cara said. “I want you to stay with me and never leave my side ever again. But.” she paused.

“I know.” Xerath frowned. “I don’t think we can beat them.”

“You can. And you will.” Cara pulled his head down to kiss him. “You are the greatest man in the world. Prove your strength. Prove you are worthy to be called king.”

“I only wish to prove it to one person.” he whispered. “You.”

“My love, you must save our people. Do whatever it takes.” Cara stared intently at him with her purple eyes.

“I will.” Xerath smiled, though inside, his gut twisted and he wanted to puke.

Stepping away from the bed, Xerath moved to his personal chest. Quickly he used the key around his neck and unlocked it. Pulling the steel lid open, Xerath peered inside and pulled the bundle of cloth Jebbin had given him thirteen years ago.

“It’s time I give this to him.” he thought.

PART 2

Cara watched her husband leave the room. Her heart sank at the hopelessness of everything. She wanted to yell after him. To tell him to come back and hold her till the very end, but she resisted and remained silent.

Nearly dozing off, Cara opened her eyes to someone at her door. She didn’t know how long it had been but a shiver ran down her spine as she saw who stared at her.

It was the assassin in black. His cloak and black mask obscuring his features except for his eyes. Swiftly she rolled over and grabbed the dagger on her nightstand and unsheathed the blade. Before she could scream, he was on top of her, his hand over her mouth and the other keeping the blade from stabbing him.

She bucked and kicked to no avail, his strength was superhuman, unnatural. Gazing into his eyes, her heart stopped, realizing who it was.

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“Cassius?” Cara mumbled.

He froze at the name, his eyes darting away as if in shame. “Don’t speak,” he whispered.

Shoving a gag in her mouth, Cara nearly choked on the cloth as it was shoved deep. Almost puking, Cassius let up on the cloth slightly, seeing her almost choke on it.

Using his free hand, Cassius used his knee to pin her arm and tie up her left arm to the bed. Before she knew it, he had tied her up, leaving her completely at his mercy.

He pulled his mask off, and his face looked tired and sorrowful. “I’m sorry it’s come to this. I truly tried to give you every opportunity to escape but… now my master is watching closely.”

“M-wh-ma-t?” Cara mumbled behind her gag. Tears forming in her eyes.

“I know,” he said sadly. “You all trusted me. I never meant for this to happen. But I can’t defy him.”

“M-who-m.” Cara tried to ask through her muffled mouth.

“That doesn’t matter. Only that he is more powerful than you can imagine.” Cassius frowned. “He has plans for Isulia.”

He stood and paced back and forth, pondering the situation. Cara could only stare at him helplessly.

“He’s coming soon.” Cassius turned to her. “I want you to know something. I’m sure you have worked it out by now but it has filled me with guilt. I don’t expect you to forgive me, only that you understand that I had no choice.”

Cara burst into tears as she knew what he was about to say. Rage and sorrow coincided with her emotions, neither overwhelming the other. Her heart broke into pieces once again as the memories came rushing back. At her son lying dead in his crib. She knew his words before he spoke.

“I killed Asar. I was ordered too by my master.” Cassius said. “He believed it would break you and Xerath would be without his queen. You were supposed to die too but Xerath intervened before he could kill you.”

Cara felt confused at his last words. “He intervened.” she thought. “Who was he?”

“I doubt I can ever atone for my sins but… I had to confess to you before…” he trailed off.

Looking at him, Cara blinked away her tears and tried to scream at him but the gag muffled nearly all sound.

“Shh. Shh.” Cassius walked over to her. “It will be over soon. I can end it here and now before he takes my body. Would you want that?”

Cara frowned and squirmed, trying to break free from her bonds. Unsure what he meant she merely screamed at him, frustrated and angry she was helpless.

“He will take his time with you,” Cassius said. “I can do this small favor for you if you wish. All you need do is nod your head.”

Cara shook her head, wishing she could punch him and strangle the life from him.

“I understand,” Cassius said. “It won’t be quick with him. Are you sure?”

Before she could respond, Cassius convulsed in front of her, his arms twitching and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. What met her eyes a moment later was not Cassius.

Black eyes and an evil smirk greeted her instead of her old friend. “Finally.” his voice was deep and not Cassius’s.

“I’ve waited for this moment a long time,” it said. “Do you even know what you did thirteen years ago?”

Cara’s face contorted in horror as Cassius’s face scrunched up and looked alien. Whoever, or whatever this thing was, she guessed was the master he spoke of moments ago.

“Where are my manners.” he laughed. “I… am Mulguran. Master of the universe. You, a simple human thwarted my plans. Your parents were my puppets, did you know that?”

Cara froze, her eyes wide as the being spoke through Cassius.

“They were following my orders. They completed their task in slaying Armin and bringing Kligira to ruins but… you had to go and kill them before I could get to Fel. At the time I didn’t realize Jebbin was hiding from me. He was a crafty bastard. I'll give him that.” a demonic voice spoke to her. “I never expected to see such a fire in you. You changed everything. You were never supposed to stay queen. If only you had listened to your parents, you would be the queen of my new world.”

Cassius’s face bared his teeth in a sickening smile. Then his lips trembled in rage.

“You caused so much trouble. And now.” the demonic voice said. “You will die by my hand.” he smiled with glee.

Cassius bent down and started choking her violently, and Cara couldn’t do anything to stop it. She fought for air in vain, kicking and bucking but her effort was feeble.

“Everything you love and hold dear will die,” he said. “Xerath will be slain. I’ve already taken care of Kyburn. And Henry, your precious secret is also gone. All you have worked for is crumbling and you won’t be here to stop it.”

Cara’s vision blurred and black spots filled her eyes.

“Once I’m done with all of you, Malik will have failed once again,” he said, chuckling to himself. “I’ll show him,” Mulguran said, almost in desperation. “I’ll show him the bleak future he fought so hard to prevent. I will become more powerful than he can imagine.”

Going limp, Cara couldn’t fight anymore as her strength failed and her eyes closed, never to open again. A horrid evil laugh was the last thing she heard before her world fell into nothingness.