Traces of a Lie

Prologue

The Cry of Destruction

The blade fell first upon Sylvia’s neck. Dark power writhed within Xavier’s body as his wife’s blood splattered across his face, desperate to break free. But the Nullit shackles bound his hands, leaving him powerless. With no other choice, he turned inward, toward the black abyss of his eyes.

Destroy,the darkness roared.

Prince Xavier clenched his eyes shut against the violent surge crashing toward his mind, a small, strangled sound escaping him.

Destroy!

He couldn’t allow another Destruction. Or perhaps... he could. Perhaps he wanted to. He wanted to unleash Destruction to reclaim the throne he deserved, the love stolen from him, and the child ripped away in her infancy. He longed to erase the anguish, the rage, and the regret that had consumed him. He wanted to show the world, in the midst of this opulent ballroom filled with cowering nobles, the monster he had become.

The power refused to relent, clawing at his mind, demanding destruction. Xavier fought to control it, his breaths sharp and shallow.

Arthur let out a booming, exaggerated laugh as he stepped away from Sylvia’s lifeless, headless body. “The Emperor made a grave mistake sparing your life,” he said, approaching the prince with deliberate, measured steps. “But I will correct that mistake, monster.”

Xavier didn’t let him finish. As he opened his eyes, he saw the severed head of his wife, her long brown hair matted with blood. His gaze burned through the sight, and in an instant, the thick locks turned to ash.

Arthur swung his blade toward Xavier’s neck. The cold, bloodied steel bit into his throat, the sensation reverberating even through his now-useless ears.

He felt nothing else—but he feltthis. The darkness within him surged violently, racing up his neck.

Would it find an opening and take vengeance for its master? Would it burn the world to ashes once more? No. Powers had no thoughts of their own. They sought only to protect their hosts. And now, Destruction would awaken the monster once again.