Winter Locket was an arrogant and tempestuous man with a nasty reputation, despite his skills and knowledge as a wizard. The entire kingdom was surprised when he chose an apprentice, an envied and pitied position. He missed his solitude and was a harsh but dutiful mentor until the day his enemies struck. The royals selected him for a mission to defend the lands, leaving his apprentice alone at the lofty tower.

It was only meant to be a short leave, but when he returned, the youth's eyes were dull and empty - their body still. Only a note remained from his longtime rival, who sought violent revenge for a slight. No, no. This was not happening, he tried to tell himself. His apprentice was always on the move, always getting up to something, clever and bright. Not dead on the floor.

The days were empty now with no color. Everything was grey. He had never felt such a heavy weight to existence. Something must be done.

Although necromancy was punishable by death in the kingdom, he delved into dark tomes and resources, practicing and sacrificing his humanity to fix the injustice. He stopped taking care of himself because his life did not matter, only reviving the one person who brought a spark of something to his meaningless solitude. Finally, he had succeeded. It was time. It would surely work.

He stood like a statue over the body he had built for his apprentice's return. Waiting for their eyes to open, eyes that haunted his dreams. His heart finally felt something again, hope and fear in equal measure.