The first light of dawn painted the eastern sky in shades of blood red and burning orange. From the highest observation post in the central spire, the scout, a succubus named Aria with enhanced vision had been watching the horizon for hours.
Then she saw him.
A single figure, walking casually along the eastern road. No army. No banners. No dramatic entrance. Just one man, hands in his pockets, strolling toward the Fallen Spires like he was taking a morning walk.
But even from miles away, Aria could feel it. The pressure. The weight. The sheer presence of something that shouldn't exist.
Her hands trembled as she raised them, channeling magic into the signal spell Seraphine had taught her. Purple flames erupted from her palms, shooting into the sky in a column of light visible across the entire city.
The signal.
The Reaper had arrived.
