And it came to pass, after the blood of the mutineers was spilled, that Dondorian stood alone beneath the moon, and their gaze searched the dark places of Forevermore.

  And they spake aloud, saying, "Come forth, O deceiver, for you have whispered among my men and turned their hearts; but I shall not be turned! Show yourself, that you may be judged!"

  And Seraphine came unto them, and pleaded, saying, "Dondorian, this demon cannot be challenged to combat; it is a shadow, a corrupter of souls. Seek not to draw it out, for its poison is deeper than even your wrath can reach."

  But Dondorian answered not, and they set their camp in silence, and sat alone amidst the ruin of the night, waiting as a hunter waits for their quarry.

  And the hours passed, and the jungle held its breath, until at last there came a figure from the mist filled trees, clothed in the likeness of a woman.

  And lo, it was the form of Elara, Dondorian's mother, as they had been in the days of their youth, their face gentle and their arms open.

  And Elara spake softly, saying, "O my son, my precious child, why dost thou wander in darkness and wrath? Lay down thy weapons, and return home; there is yet a chance at peace for thee."

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  And Dondorian’s eyes became glossed over, and their lip began to quiver, and they went unto Elara and embraced them as a man embraces their mother.

  And the demon that wore Elara's face grinned within, saying in its heart, "Behold, this man is broken, and their strength is spent."

  But Dondorian’s grip soon tightened, and the smile of the demon faltered, for they could not draw breath.

  And their bones began to pop, and then crack, and then snap beneath Dondorian's arms; and the demon cried out in a voice no longer their mother’s.

  And Dondorian crushed the demon in their embrace, and when the body fell limp, Dondorian took the demon's head into their hands and dashed it upon the stones.

  And they struck it again, and again, and again, until there was naught but pulp and ruin.

  And the jungle trembled, and the winds fled, and a great silence fell upon all of Forevermore.

  When Seraphine came unto them, and when the nun beheld the sight, they screamed in horror; for the ground was soaked, and the face of the demon was unmade.

  And Seraphine did not sleep that night, and they did not speak for many days.

  And at last they came unto Dondorian, and asked of them, saying, "How were you able to see beyond its mask?"

  And Dondorian answered, saying, "I could not. But when it spoke to me in my mother’s voice and told me to abandon my mission, I was filled with such heartbreak and fury that I could not hold myself back."

  Thus Seraphine was frightened, and remained in silence for many years after.