Vale's POV
"You've been alone for two thousand years," I said to Ryker. "You've forgotten what real connection feels like."
Ryker's ancient eyes hardened. "Connection is a weakness. I learned that lesson long ago."
"No," I replied, watching my friends fight above us. "You learned to fear it."
That hit something deep inside him. For just a moment, pain flashed across his face.
"You know nothing about fear, child," he said coldly.
"I know you're terrified," I continued, the truth becoming clearer. "Terrified that if people truly connect, they won't need you anymore."
Ryker's mask of calm finally cracked.
"Enough games," he snarled.
Shadow erupted from the ground around him, but not the way Vincent's shadows moved. This was older. Deeper. The kind of darkness that existed before light was ever created.
"You want to know the truth?" Ryker asked as his power filled the air. "Fine. I'll tell you the real truth."
