My name is Freyja.

For five centuries, I've been a victim of marital abuse. The loss of my brother and my inability to conceive has only added to my agony.

In my misery, I've found some light. My husband, Odin, told me not to befriend Haidion, the Ancient Demonical of Illusion. I disobeyed my husband for the first time in the five centuries of my marriage. My friend's darkness doesn't scare me, but my desire for him does. My body shouldn't be coming alive for him because he isn't my spouse, but with everything I have endured, I allow myself to find solace.

Another darkness has plagued the world I love. Greed has infected Earthradon, and the Father's only resolution is to send an asteroid to wipe out the majority of the population. The deity who gave my planet life, I fear, might be infected as well.

Those who oppose the mass culling are forming an army. I agree that there could be an alternative way to cleanse Earthradon without death, but killing the Father and taking his magic isn't the path to saving the world-it's spreading greed even more.

I'm readying myself and those faithful for battle, but I can't hide my surprise to find my husband among them. Even though betrayal sits heavily on my heart, facing my husband is the least of my concerns. Overcoming my grudges against the dragon race that killed my brother tests my ability to give in to greed and make them pay for what I have lost. Grief has made me a prisoner for so long that I don't know if I'll be able to stand strong when the time comes for me to be brave.

If hope fades, I plan on turning to the monster I was told never to befriend. Haidion said he'd be there for me; all I had to do was call his name.

So much rests on my shoulders...

To whoever is listening-please give me strength.