"He took slow, deliberate steps towards Kenan and leaned over. For moments, excruciating long moments. The old man shared a stare with the crying babe. "I am sorry. I am… I just…" He stood with a face of contorted conviction. He pulled a tiny pebble from his robe. "Let only hate fuel you." The shadows in the room started to boil. The tendrils of missing light flickered rapidly. "Let deceit destroy you. Let sorrow morph your morals." The darkness wrapped around the pebble and started to push the now floating black rock towards Kenan. "Once nothing is left. Then let your convictions stand tall, let them purify in the fires of adversity." As if Kenan's chest wasn't physical, the pebble was forced into his ribcage. "When every source fails, when everyone else gives up, Let your will be stalwart. Let it fight. Let it free." The babies crying ceased. "Let go.""

Thanks Asviloka for the cover! :)