Dean stared into the infinite void, memories of his last moments on Earth flooding his mind. Each second felt like a year. Moments ago, he had been enjoying a peaceful evening stroll with his girlfriend across the aptly named “Lovers Bridge.” The moon cast a soft glow, illuminating the sea of padlocks that adorned the fence like stars in the night sky. He had many plans for the future, one of which was to be set in motion tonight. The outline of the leather box was still imprinted into his palms, from clutching it nervously as they approached the padlock they had left there many years ago. This was where they had sealed their love, etching their names into the metal as a symbol of their commitment to each other.

But then, in an instant, it all disappeared.

A sharp blow to the back of Dean's head sent stars dancing before his eyes as Maya's screams pierced the air. He turned to see her surrounded by three dark figures, their faces twisted with malice as they closed in on her like predators stalking their prey. Stumbling, Dean’s instincts kicked into overdrive. He was determined to protect her, even if it cost him his life.

And it did.

A sharp pain spread through his chest. He grabbed one of the attackers by their clothes and swung his fist. The air rushed out of his lungs, leaving him gasping for breath. Stumbling, he attempted to scream for help, but the physical pain paled in comparison to the anguish of helplessness. As light faded from his vision, the last thing he saw was Maya’s tear-streaked face, her voice a desperate plea, “Get up, please!”

The senselessness of it all confused Dean. Surrounded by darkness, he wondered if he was destined to relive those last moments forever. Had he sinned so much that this was his punishment? Or was this simply what awaited everyone after they died?

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"You fought bravely, and yet you failed."

The words entered Dean’s mind. There was no sound, no speaker present, yet they felt warm and gentle, like a mother talking to her baby before bedtime, filling him with assurance and calmness.

"You have a strong will and much resentment in you. Your soul refused to go to the stream and found its way home. Now you are to make an important choice. Will your good heart find a way to forgive, or shall hate consume you?"

Suddenly, a silhouette appeared before Dean, cloaked in light. No distinguishable features could be made out. Lurking in its shadow was something more sinister, primordial in nature.

"Ha, ha, ha. Fought bravely? You were weak. Had you been stronger, you would have protected her."

If the words of the first entity were like those of a loving mother, these could only be described as acidic. Each one burned Dean’s soul, gnawing at it, trying to devour it.

"I can give you what you wish for. A chance to make everything right, to have revenge."

Whatever lurked in the shadow of the first figure broke off, blending with the dark void, but its presence was unmistakable, equally powerful, if not more than that of the bright one.

To Dean, all of this felt meaningless. What was the point? He had lost the only thing that mattered to him, the one person he loved, and the only person who loved him. But even in his state of complete indifference, one other emotion bubbled inside him: fear of the dark presence. No matter how angry he felt, how unfairly his life was taken, or how he’d find it in himself to exact revenge on those who wronged him, he knew that reaching out to darkness was foolish. Dangerous, even.

He wondered if he could even move, as wherever he was felt devoid of physical existence. Concentrating as hard as he could, Dean tried moving his arms. Barely, maybe he even imagined it, they twitched a bit. Almost as if feeling his intention, the figure of light moved towards him, embracing him. For the first time in his life, he understood what it meant to be at peace. A strong feeling that everything was going to be okay now washed over him. Darkness was no more, its presence gone, leaving only the faint trail of disappointment lingering around.