He found himself once again at the center of the pentagram. The giant pointer in the sky continued to rotate and finally came to rest above the second point. Greed. The symbol that now flared up resembled a fist grasping greedily. But it wasn't a material object it was demanding—it was practically calling out for him.
"Elandor..." a familiar voice echoed through the darkness. "Elandor, my beloved!" He froze. "I love you! In virtute et fide te semper eligam. – In virtue and fidelity, I will always choose you." The voice grew more urgent, more pleading. "Do not save me, my beloved Elandor! This game, as the devil calls it, you cannot win! We will meet again in the next life. Solanar'kael, luma'dar zenai mor'nal. – Sun of Kaelon, guide me through shadows and doubt."
But before he could answer, the pull of mist and fire dragged him back into the depths. When he came to, the devil stood before him. In his hands, he held a crystal. Within it pulsed something alive, warm: the heart of his beloved. The devil didn't need to say a word. The message was crystal clear. He held Lysandra hostage, tightly in his claws.
Elandor rushed forward, desperately trying to grasp the heart, but the crystal dissolved into mist before his eyes. He was denied it. He understood that he had no choice. He had to do what the devil demanded. "I can't live without you, my sunshine!" he sobbed. "Without you, it's as if the world has no sun! How can I go on living and pretending everything is alright?! Please forgive my decision!"
Broken, he crouched on the cold ground. He whimpered and begged like a beaten dog. "Please… I'll do anything…" he stammered, his fists pounding helplessly against the stone. "But give me back my beloved Lysandra." Tears of despair streamed down his face. He knew what he had to do, and yet it was so incredibly difficult. He had to sacrifice himself to save her. Only then could he see her again—even if it was only one last time. His one true love. He had to do it.
"Then you know what to do, my son," said the devil with a broad, satisfied grin.
Since Elandor could not and would not share his love with anyone—not even his creator—only one way out remained. He had to swear the oath. He gathered his last bit of strength and cried it out from the depths of his soul, even though his face was contorted with resentment: "I swear eternal loyalty to you, the devil!"
"Hahahaha..." a devilish laugh erupted from the darkness. "So be it, my champion... So be it," said the devil gleefully.