The Gift of Despair

The storm quieted, the fierce bolts of lightning she had summoned finally dissipating into silence. Evangeline stood unmoving, her gaze locked on Aurelius, who had slipped into unconsciousness beneath the relentless trial of aether and lightning. What she was about to do required her complete concentration.

"Hmm..."

She let out a slow breath, feeling the crackling energy recede until only a low hum lingered in the air. Her thoughts, however, were consumed by something far different, a resolution that had settled like iron in her bones.

Her fingers traced the edge of her blackened eye, feeling the void where it merged with her flesh. No more games. No more manipulation. With precise, ruthless determination, she dug her fingers into the socket where the "gift" resided.