“Wake up, dearest Ash,” a voice called from within the eternal darkness.

The young elf opened his eyes. He was lying on his back in the all too familiar bleakness of the void. For once, though, the elf wasn’t there against his will. This time, he had been brought there, both because Evitagen needed him, but also because he needed Evitagen.

Ash stood up, facing the demon who was towering above him. Evitagen had politely extended his hand to the young elf, who decided not to take it.

“Evitagen,” he said, greeting the demon with a stiff nod.