Ash_Monarch

The Apocalypse is in full swing. 

Defiled - powerful creatures corrupted by the Great Collision - prowled the lands in search of prey. Unfortunately for them, the human race had long since retreated behind the secure walls of the Sanctuary of Everlast. 

During one of his regular excursions outside the Sanctuary, Alden is separated from Celeste. - his childhood friend and crush. In that moment, he came to regret never summoning the courage to confess. 

Somehow managing to survive thanks to some trickery, Alden awakens as a mage. 

Instead of receiving a normal power, he gains the ability to decay. What's more, during his ascension, he received a vision from his future self advising him not to trust the Asterons - celestial beings who had saved his race from inescapable doom.  

Normally... such a revelation wouldn’t faze Alden. 

However, there was only one major problem with the declaration, though. 

Celeste was bound with an Asteron. 

And not just any normal Asteron... 

She had made a pact with one of the Divine Sovereigns.
________ 

Cover is not mine. I found it on Pinterest.

The Inner Odyssey

Celeste stared at Alden, disbelief written all over her face.

Alden had returned, and in the nick of time, saved her from being devoured by the vast army.

A joyous smile split Celeste's face.

Her features immediately brightened, the presence of the one she loved most enough to dispel a considerable portion of her fatigue. The young lady peered at Alden, hoping to burn his appearance in her memory.

After living for so long without him, she needed a refresh. And when she received what her heart desired, Celeste jolted with shock.

Of course, she knew that was going to be the case.

She would be a complete fool if she didn't factor in what the passage of time did to a person. Especially after not seeing Alden for so long.

Different