Knowing that the compensation Maelir had arranged for him would arrive in an hour or two, Azrael decided to stay at the mansion, doing nothing in particular.
He leisurely lay on a bench in the backyard, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Lying under the shade of a tree, Azrael gazed at the flowing lake beyond the mansion's boundary and his eyes gradually grew hazy as a distant memory surfaced in his mind.
"Don't blame yourself for what happened. It was my own choice…"
An old woman, lying in a puddle of blood by the lakeshore, spoke in a gentle voice as her life force slowly faded.
Standing beside her was a tall man with long black hair and a body covered in scars. His striking purple eyes appeared indifferent as he looked down at the dying woman, but upon closer inspection, one could see them trembling ever so slightly.
The old woman smiled faintly at his silence and sighed.
