by Troy Hooker
At the sight of the man with the deep blue cloak, the robed man’s eyes blazed suddenly with lustful surprise, almost as if he had seen his greatest enemy being slain in front of him. The man in the blue cloak stood, palms outstretched, as if surrendering himself. His eyes showed defeat and deep resentment, but he stood his ground.
Kachash stood and strode carefully to the edge of the platform as throngs of guards emerged from the entrance to surround the man in the blue cloak. When he held his hand up to stop them, they slunk back away from the scene, looks of surprise on their faces at the sight of the man.
“I must say, this is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure of a great Watcher’s company like yours? Did you find no hope in the Light?”
The man in blue did not look up at the beautiful man standing in front of him, but his face showed intense anger as he choked out his words.
“I have come to surrender to the Darkness. I cannot fight that which is in me.”
Kachash’s eyes blazed with sadistic excitement.
“Nuriel, the great warrior of legions of Watchers, has surrendered himself to the Dark One? Oh the thrill of this moment! Oh how the Darkness will rejoice! And what do you have to offer as a token of your pledge?”
Nuriel did not take his eyes off the white stone floor. Images of his son raced through his mind as he fought the urge to snatch the sword and lop off Kachash’s head right then and there. It would certainly silence him. But it would not be for the greater good for Descendants and Watchers alike. For the segulla—for mankind. This was something he had to do, without question.
“The Sha’ar Gate has been opened.”
