Summary

Nick puts all his energy and focus into summoning his powers. Suddenly he can see everything, past, present, and future. He sees his father as a young man, beaten and broken by the enemy gods who enslave the Malachai: Noir, Azura, and Braith. Noir fed on Adarian until his powers were almost completely sapped, making death desirable. Nick understands why his father is as he is, and how the Malachai have been conditioned to be vicious. Nick is disturbed to see the havoc he himself will one day wreak, turning his back on the world that created him. But Nick is determined to resist his destiny. Even as he makes this vow, Noir, the god of darkness, wraps Nick up and tries to carry him to the dark side.

Adarian watches Nick being taken by Noir and almost enjoys the idea of his son...