Old Flames...

Just then, the figure turned, a ruthless smile spreading across a face Adrian knew all too well, and his breath caught.

"Marcus," Adrian spilled out in shock.

The man before him was both familiar and alien. Marcus's features were sharper, his once-kind eyes now gleaming with malice. His armor was etched with runes that glowed faintly, and the aura of power surrounding him was suffocating.

"Adrian," Marcus said in a smooth and taunting voice. 

Adrian stared at the man standing before him, disbelief and a tangle of emotions swirling in his chest. The face was familiar, yet twisted by years of malice and pain. 

The Marcus he had once known, the friend who had stood by his side, was gone—replaced by this imposing figure shrouded in darkness.

"Marcus," Adrian said, his voice barely more than a whisper as he stared in shock..