The first stage of Blake's torment began at the foot of the mountain behind Lux's villa. Morning mist still clung to the leaves, and birds scattered as the four of them arrived. Lux set the pace immediately, sprinting up the incline like a man possessed. Nero followed easily, Adam charging just behind him. Blake, on the other hand, was dragged forward with no mercy.
"Run or be dragged," Adam warned.
"You're insane!" Blake panted. "Humans were not made to run uphill before breakfast!"
"You're not human, you're a Daemon, the Prince of Daemon," Nero shot back.
"That makes it worse!"
Halfway up, Blake's legs finally began to move properly—though with the gait of a dying man. His robe had been replaced by training gear Lux had personally forced onto him while he was still protesting, and now sweat clung to his skin like armor. By the time they reached the peak, Blake collapsed face-first into the grass.
"Leave me here," he gasped. "This is my grave now."
