Welcome to the world of Darkness Reigns
I
Act I
People like to think themselves good and just, but deep down, every living soul has the ability to be something awful. All one can do is choose which side of themselves to free.
Prelude
Upon every world, in each galaxy, across the entire universe, the stars rule.
Our mighty lieges above have shown you, dear reader, just how far they are willing to go for their entertainment. They will take. They will give. They will destroy. They will create. In all timelines and dimensions—all realities and dreams—the stars conquer and reign. Their darkness is unending, their wickedness all-consuming. Yet, it is what one becomes in the face of such unflinching power, that is truly terrifying. For who you are when your knees hit the ground and your face turns up to the sky is what shall splinter and flood. Which brings us back to our story, where two souls have found themselves upon the precipice of power, where corruption and morality collide. Both must decide who they will become, and our cosmic rulers are watching.
While the pair are forced to make choices that might seem impossible, something wicked brews around them.
As all falls apart, I encourage you, dear reader, to pray to the stars. For darkness festers from below.
Chapter One
Azazel
“Castle Altair feels so lonely without Martha around.”
-From the journal of Azazel Altair, 9219 AS (After Stars)
Six Months Prior…
Celeste was…annoying. Maitoza the Merciful—more likemenace—decided that Tershetta’s sister would be my new babysitter. At least, that’s what Celeste said when she brought me my food supply. Either way, I’m sick of her already.
***
Today, Celeste brought another woman with her who goes by Desi. The woman was overly cheerful to say the least. I mean, stars, could she have been any more obnoxious with her chatter?
It’s so nice to meet you, Azazel!
Can I get you anything special, Azazel?
I’m quite the healer if you need me!
You know, I thought it could be fun for the three of us to have dinner together once a week. Plus, then we can keep you company!
You look dashing in that outfit, where did you get it?
Oh, you like to run? I’m not all that fast, but I can join you if you’d like!
Worst of all? She was of eadi. Unlike Tershetta, I hadn’t guessed with this one. It wasn’t until she told me about her family that I realized.
Once again, I was being reminded of just how…wrongwe’d been. Desi wasn’t a mistake. I could tell by the way she healed. She was meant to be a shaytan.
***
Celeste wouldn’t stop humming. It was the same song over and over again. Last week, she finally told me some of the lyrics. Something about a raven and a wolf. She loved to sing it when she reluctantly made our weekly dinners with Desi. This last time, she even made me help. I think she just wanted to watch me embarrass myself.
Truth be told, I’d never met an eadi who was so blatantly rude. If Desi was obnoxiously nice, Celeste was unflinchingly heinous. She loved to call out every little thing I did wrong or make fun of my hair or call mepretty boyin the most derogatory tone she could muster.
On the bright side, she made really good food. Plus, she showed me how to wash my clothes in the tub, which was a nice change from the way I’d been drenching them in the sink and hoping for the best. Such finery deserved a proper washing. That made up for the way she rearranged my kitchen drawers and organized my ice box.
Though, if she mussed my hair again before she left next time I’d lose it.
