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

When he was fighting within the horde, Alden didn't have any time to think about what might happen to the common warriors of the Sanctuary. As cruel as that was, he had to remain focused. After all, a single mistake would have meant his death.

However, now that he was behind the front lines, Alden had a closer and intimate view of the slaughter of these intrepid humans. He cursed, his heart hurt turning to stone. The sight was just too much for him to bear.

Just then, he felt something fly into his arms.

Shifting his neck, Alden gazed at his precious bond.

As his eyes pooled with tears, the young man held Ignia tight. He desperately clung to her warmth, hoping the little phoenix could thaw his rapidly freezing heart.

Nick of Time