157 Where it all begins (3)

While the others slept, Lucius used this time to prepare himself for the fight to come. He knew that there might come a time when he would have to make a difficult decision, where a sacrifice could be the only right choice. He loved everyone like his children, but one of them may have to die today, and even for him, such a task would take mental preparation.

An hour passed, and the moon was directly overhead. If anything, now was the time to strike.

"Everyone, wake up!" he shouted. though that wasn't necessary, anxiety had kept most of the group up. Perhaps the only ones to have slept were Pagan and Hannibal. Hannibal out of pure exhaustion, and Pagan because he knew no fear under his lord.

As everyone gathered in front of the Radiant tree, Lucius inspected them. The grim expressions on their faces felt comforting somehow.