Prologue
No words can truly explain the swirl of emotions that overcame him. This unsettling feeling of dread resided in his heart, and eyes expressed doubt of his return home. Moments ago he entrusted a dear friend with what he treasured most in this world. Forsaking all other worldly possessions as he set out to venture in the cold, unforgiving world. Before him stood an impossible task; the weight of the world was on his shoulders and he alone would endure it. In the deep crevices of his mind, he knew what was required of him, but did not know the cost. What price would be required of him and who else would be affected by his decisions? Path before him crisscrossed and strayed in far reaches with no clear definition of where they may lead.
Once reaching the outskirts, he glanced over shoulder towards the colossal bulb in the center of Amber City. Briefly time stood still as he recalled a night, such as this one, with calm winds. Moons shined brightly in the sky, illuminating the darken corners of the city and gave the bulb an angelic glow. That night he sat upon a wooden bench beside a youthful woman with long ash blonde locks, tiny infant securely resting in her slender arms and wrapped in a light silver blanket. His strong arm looped around the woman's shoulders as he brought her closer, the opposite arm lifted and ever so carefully held his daughter's head as she stirred in her slumber. He leaned forward and gave a light peck on the child's forehead, then lifted his gaze to the lovely woman caught in his embrace. She had the most piercing steel eyes, an incredible window to her immovable will, yet tonight it differed. They shined brilliantly and almost had a softer look to them. Absolute tranquility resided in those eyes and bliss. In the end, he knew that moment existed in a small slot of the past. He will never be able to embrace the love of his life again. Never be able to inhale her scent or even raise their precious daughter.
Hayden, he could hear her say faintly. When the memory faded he was overwhelmed by nostalgia…it felt as if it were just the other day.
The ultimate betrayal came from someone close to him and that pained his heart. Suddenly, the image of a man with platinum blonde hair and cobalt blue eyes formed in his mind. Large hands clenched as feelings of grief washed away, replaced with hatred. Muscles in his jaw tensed as he advanced further, desert sands circled around him as if manipulated by some unseen force. No amount of encouraging words could quell the rage that formed. Distant memories crept to the surface as he recalled his wife's frantic voice, then a busy signal following afterwards. All of his efforts could not prevent the assault that followed from the blonde male. What sickened Hayden the most was the man's expression. Haunting smile plastered on his face as he casually waved at him. His wife's ash blonde hair was sprawled out on the floor, streak of crimson expelled from her lips.