Riven was overcome with fear when he saw his eye. But Darel managed to calm him down.
"Let's lie down, kid," Darel said.
"Don't call me kid, old man," Riven replied, his expression stern.
But deep down… the word reminded him of his father. It pulled him back into his past.
They went to their beds. As Riven stared into the darkness, tears streamed from his eyes.
"Mom… Dad… Please don't leave me… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I miss you so much…"
he whispered in his sleep.
Darel was awake. He heard Riven's hiccups. He came over, stroked his head, and then held him to soothe him.
Riven slowly fell into a deep sleep.
When morning came, Riven was awakened by a sound.
There was a fight at the door.
"Take this! Take it! Ahh!"
Riven sat up in panic.
"Again?!" he said, as his left eye began to flare once more. His heart raced, and his breath caught.
He ran toward the door. Along with the pain in his eye, a burning heat rose within him.
When he opened the door… he was in shock.