Ashblade stood still at the edge of the cliff.
He took a deep breath.
Then, slowly, he raised his hand and touched his face.
The false aura around him began to peel.
His skin shimmered, and the quiet hum of the disguise faded.
Ashblade was gone.
What remained was Zain Zavathor.
His jagged hair fell down to his shoulders again.
The fake silver hair and dull eyes were gone.
His real crimson eyes glowed with power.
Velra looked up from where she sat, still catching her breath.
When she saw him, her lips curled into a soft grin.
"You're back, Master."
Zain didn't speak right away.
He looked down at her and offered his hand.
She took it without hesitation.
He pulled her up gently.
Her body still shook a little, but she stood tall beside him.
"Let's go," Zain said.
Velra nodded. "To our first base on this island."
Zain gave one last glance at the battlefield.
Then turned away.
They walked slowly.
The heat of the volcanic region faded with distance.
