Mulguran crashed onto the stone, nearly falling over but used his wings to balance himself. He clutched tenderly at his missing forearm and cursed the Emarine. He fell to one knee atop the castle of Akrov. It was dark and no one had seen him land.

All the energy he had sucked from Tepra was gone, all that power wasted. And now, he was missing half an arm on top of all of it.

Hissing and cursing, Mulguran finished healing the stump and slammed it into the stone. A seething desire for revenge consumed his every thought. He tried desperately but he couldn’t grow his arm back.

“Curse that dagger!” he screeched and slammed the stump of his arm into the ground again, feeling the pain surging through his shoulder.

It fueled his anger.

He cursed Malik. He cursed Hashem. And he cursed Kaladin Valhorn.

Stomping with the butt of his heel, the ceiling collapsed beneath him. Using his wings he flapped once and landed lightly on the cold smooth floor.

Humans started shouting and the castle was on high alert in moments.

Mulguran kicked the fallen debris around him, clearing his path to the throne room. He ignored the frightened humans and slammed through the thick wooden doors before him.

He gave a crooked smile and stared at the terrified human at the opposite end.

King Darius of Tykin wailed in shock, bringing up his arms in a feeble attempt to protect himself. He was half-drunk and was drooping awkwardly in his throne.

“Begone demon!” he waved his hand in front of him, cowering into his chair. “Begone foul one!”

“Silence,” Mulguran said menacingly, his voice cold and firm as he drew closer to him. “You have been untouched by my armies. I have spared your kingdom for one reason. I know your deep-rooted hatred of Xer. The hatred you so blatantly display daily. You desire to rule. Your lust knows no bounds.”

Mulguran stopped before him, looming over him threateningly.

“Wh-wh?” Darius stuttered, clearly muddled by drink. “What are you? You are not welcome here. Begone!” he repeated.

“For that.” Mulguran ignored his questions. “I have come to you. I offer you your greatest desires. I can grant your wishes. I can make you the most powerful man on Isulia. You only have to do one thing for me.”

Darius squinted his puny eyes at him, clearly interested but still frightened.

“Serve me. Swear your loyalty to me and I will grant you many gifts.” Mulguran said enticingly. “The power you will receive in return will be unmatched. No one will stand in your way. And if you succeed in your tasks, I will grant you eternal life.”

Inwardly, Mulguran almost giggled. Humans always wanted to be immortal. He wondered what this pathetic human would do when he found out that wasn’t possible.

Darius’s fat lips trembled but he sat up, his interest fully engaged. “Who are you... that can grant such gifts?”

“I am god!” Mulguran’s eye twitched in annoyance at the arrogance of the man. “Betrayed by those I once called brother and father. I will have my vengeance and you will have your heart's desire.”

Mulguran stood his full height and stretched his dark leathering wings.

“How would you like to rule over all Isulia. The age of Galton the Butcher. You will reignite his reign and rule with an iron fist and crush your enemies.”

Darius stared at him, filled with fear and confusion but when a smile touched the tips of his mouth, Mulguran knew he had him right where he wanted him.

Xerixes and everyone in it had been slain. The only remaining humans would be hunted down like animals and slaughtered. And Darius would be the one to do it.

“Then, Isulia will be mine to control.” Mulguran thought to himself. “I will have those who worship me. No longer will I live in the shadows. What do you think of that, father?” he sneered.