“It’s my fault. It’s my fault. It’s my fault. It’s all my fault…” Dominic had no idea how long he’d been walking and mumbling to himself. With slow steps, he dragged his legs as he limped forward, his head and eyes cast downwards to the ground. Without meaning to, memories of his life from years ago assailed his mind, inadvertently reminding him of the only moments when he truly felt happy and fulfilled. “My little soldier,” his father had proudly told him on the morning of his high school graduation, about eight years ago. He’d ruffled his hair and tickled his nose, causing Dominic to giggle and grin widely at him. “This is just the beginning of your journey,” he’d said with glittering eyes. “Soon, the world will be humbled by your greatness, and anyone who fails to see it will be taken by an unexpected storm. You’ll do wonders, my son. I know that.” Previously in a squat position, he straightened up and continued to beam at the teenager. “Now, what wa

“Arise, Draàl—Commander of Flames, Herald of the Dark Queen. Arise and fulfill your destiny as her chosen champion—the Crimson Knight!” Ruby-red eyes flew open suddenly, glowing with power. Scanning around, Draàl noticed the change in scenery—the mist had become blue-green water that completely encompassed him, and the flames below had transformed into a murky, obscure mass drifting slowly beneath him. It didn’t take him long to realize that he’d returned to the river below the Brooklyn Bridge, where it all ended. And where his new life was set to begin. Summoning a powerful explosion from his hands, Draàl propelled himself out of the river like a rocket, with a great trail of fire forming behind him. He sliced efficiently through the air, traveling in a parabolic path as he began to descend swiftly. With as little as a grunt, he landed solidly on the bow end of a cruising yacht, tilting the ship and jolting the sunbathing occupants onboard. “What the blazes