Malachi sat beside a river, washing the blood from his hands. The silence was broken by the crunch of footsteps on the snow. He turned to see a woman with white hair, pale skin, and ruby-red eyes.

"Heyyo," she greeted with a wave.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. He had never seen this mysterious woman before, yet something about her felt strangely familiar.

"I'm Eva. It's a pleasure to meet you—I've been looking for you," she said, leaning in slightly.

Malachi tilted his head, puzzled. "Looking… for me?"

Eva nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes. I've been searching for you. You possess the faithless mark of the Goddess of Death, and I'd like to recruit you as one of my master's commanders." A sly grin spread across her face.

"Ahh, so you're after my faith. Sorry, but I'll pass." He turned back to the river, uninterested.

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"I can grant you what you desire."

That made him pause. He turned to look at her, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"I'll guarantee you what you truly want," she continued, her grin widening. "I mean it."

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Love. I'd like to find the love of my life—my soulmate," he said, though he didn't truly believe her words.

"Then love is what you'll get." She extended her hand as if sealing a deal. "I, Eva, the Witch of Time, promise that you will find your soulmate."

As the memory faded, Malachi was reminded of why he fought—for his love, Sylphina.

Malachi swung his scythe toward Sasha, the knight, but the prince blocked the attack.

"Why are you making this so difficult?!" Malachi shouted, frustration evident in his voice.

Sasha steadied herself. "I am the knight of Noctis, and I will defend my home."

She prepared to strike, but before she could, Sylphina's webs ensnared her. However, as Sylphina focused on Sasha, the prince hurled his sword at her.

Malachi reacted instantly, throwing his dagger to deflect the attack, but the moment he was distracted, the prince unleashed a fireball spell at him.

The flames engulfed him. Smoke billowed into the air, obscuring him from view.

When the smoke cleared, both the prince and Sasha stood frozen in shock.

A tall, muscular woman stood before Malachi. Cloth covered most of her body, and a blindfold concealed her eyes. Her arms hovered protectively over him.

Malachi smirked. "You really are annoying," he said, glancing at the prince. "But I'll give you credit—you actually made me summon her."

His grin widened.

"How could this be?" Sasha muttered, disbelief in her voice.

Malachi let out a low chuckle. "You two should understand this—nothing will kill me. I will live for as long as I wish. Understood?"

His face was partially obscured by the summon's hand, only glimpses of his expression visible through the gaps between her fingers.