Luca's life had always been brutal. Born poor, his village razed, thrust into slavery, enduring abuse. Now, fleeing for his life.

A provoked mistake left him wounded in an alley, guards approaching. Amid fear, weariness settled in. The sword above felt distant, death less daunting.

Eyes shut, ready for impact, a twist disrupted everything. Cracks, cries, eyes opened. A cloaked figure subdued the guards, muttered incantations, then loomed over him.

"W-who are you?" then darkness took him.