Prologue: "Burning Bridges" (August 2023)

They ran as fast as they could, past pulsing crystal lights, gnashing teeth, and ever-changing geometry looking for a way out.  Any means to escape this hellish place!   Memories passed before their eyes - how could they have been so foolish?  So easily manipulated?  The hole in their heart left when they were split apart ached and yearned for connection that they could no longer feel.  How they had longed to be together again, but not like this.   Not Like This.  They had watched the others, seen what they had become, and could not bear it.  Anything was preferable to…….THAT.  They blinked away tears as they remembered the horrible sounds, sounds that could no longer be considered voices, the horrible satisfaction on those strain’s faces.  No time for reverie, they could hear shouts behind them.   In the distance they saw what could only be described as a Glass Palace, perhaps they could hide in there until they find a way out of nowhere.

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The Iron slammed his hand down upon the invitation, disgusted,  “The audacity of it all.  We will not be attending.”

The Saltwise, cool as the salt laden air that filled the room, gazed at her companion with a gleam in her eyes.  “Of course we won’t, not officially.  However such gatherings are the perfect place to send a message…”

The Iron leaned back in his chair.  “Do what you have to do.  Make sure they know it was us.”