For as long as there has been night and day, there has been shadow. From the darkest corner to the brightest hall, it is there. But shadows were never meant to be evil, nor were they meant to be alive. And they never would have been if it weren’t for one man. His name was Tobias Reginald, and he was the one who set the shadows free.

* * *

Tobias stumbled through the ruins of Castle de Mar and into the courtyard. He walked over to the well in the center of the courtyard and peered into it. Pulling a small vial out of the pouch hanging around his waist, he uncorked it and poured it in the well. A puff of steam rose up into the air, and Tobias turned around.

“Habas rawap sinso wertgu entu tyrk opinaga penadse.â€? Tobias spoke the words numbly; his tongue felt thick and dry in his mouth. He felt a rush of dizziness and closed his eyes, reaching out to steady himself. The words seemed to have branded themselves on his eyelids; he could see them scrolling before him in fiery script even with his eyes closed.