Ah, damn it… I've even started seeing that demon bastard in my dreams."
Riven suddenly jumped up. The surroundings were silent. Darel was nowhere to be seen.
"I have this strange feeling… Did something happen?"
In a panic, he ran outside. He looked around, but saw no one. Just then, he heard a voice from the back. He immediately headed toward where the sound came from.
Darel was rummaging around in the corner of the garden.
Riven called out, "Shh! Old man, what are you doing there?"
Darel flinched, then turned his head and smiled. "Ah, Riven… Nothing at all."
Then he suddenly grew serious.
"We need to talk. Come, let's go inside."
Riven frowned but then nodded and followed him. They went into the house.
"Come, sit," said Darel.
Riven sat down, his unease growing stronger.
Darel took a deep breath:
"Riven, I'll get straight to the point. You need to leave this city."
Riven jumped up: "What?! What nonsense are you talking about now?!"
Darel looked him in the eyes.
"You… are cursed. And this place is no longer safe for you. One day, they will find you. And… they will execute you."
Riven's hands began to shake.
"No… this is my home! I don't want to leave you here!"
Darel stood and placed a hand on Riven's shoulder.
"We will meet again, child. But you must go. And… your name is no longer Riven. Your new name will be Levin."
Riven's throat tightened.
"Levin…?"
Darel continued:
"You will go to the city of Vellan. There is a guild there: the Gace Nail. There, others… cursed like you… reside as well."
At that moment, a darkness echoed within Riven. The demon's voice suddenly rang out:
"Hah! Darel even told him where he's going… Levin."
Riven held his head and sank to the ground.
"Fine… I'll go…"
Tears streamed down his face as he whispered:
"Farewell… Darel."
Darel knelt beside him.
"May your path be clear… Levin."