-Epilogue-

A fog hung near to the ground, as it almost always did in the lower reaches of The Dark Sanctum. A small gathering of people stood staggered around the clearing, some of them silent, and a few talking quietly among each other. A few wore masks, most likely nobles hiding their true identities, but a few of them wore their own faces proudly.

"A child has been born of two heroes," said a tall, thin man. His narrow, pointed face looked both pleased and worried. "We will not know if the child bears the gifts of a hero, but we will be sure to harness whatever abilities she may have or the power within her blood."

A few others nodded in agreement.

A petite, blonde woman turned to him, her dark eyes wide. "Seth, are you truly serious about this?"

"She has the blood of two powerful heroes, Arianna. Each of them are descended from ancient heroes, themselves. Think of that legacy," Seth said, crossing his arms over his chest. "There is so much potential there, even if it is only to slit her throat and steal the magic directly from her blood."

"Her morality could go either way," one of the masked nobles brought up. "Reaver has been known for his...dark side, after all."

"If we get her young enough, we wouldn't need to worry about that," A short plump woman wearing a fox-mask said. "She will be influenced as we raise her in The Darkness."

"Very good point, My Lady," Seth said, his tone full of delight.

A scream echoed down through the stony halls of The Sanctum, but none of the conspirators at the meeting so much as batted an eye.

"I don't believe this plan will work," said a red-haired man, crossing his arms over his chest. He curled a brow. "You are too ambitious, Seth."

Seth held out his hand, and a ball of fire flew toward the red-haired man, missing him only marginally. "You are a coward, and you do not deserve to be in our presence." He snapped his fingers, and two large guards appeared in the doorway.

"NO!" cried the man as he was seized. "I'm sorry."
"You're pathetic," Arianna spat at his feet.

Seth chuckled as the weeping, screaming man was dragged from the room.

"I do not doubt your plan, but she is the child of two Heroes," Arianna repeated. "Don't you realize that it means that she has two Heroes protecting her, willing to give their lives for her."

"I know that," Seth said, a smile spread across his thin, pale lips. "And I anticipate it."

A/N: Thank you for reading! I appreciate all of the reviews and feedback I received for this story! I also have to thank angelacm for being my nag-er-I mean betareader. If not for her, this story probably would have ended long ago.

Look for the sequel which is called Legacy. It is now published and ready for you to begin feasting upon! The ride is about to get REALLY, REALLY bumpy..