Here is the preface and the beginning of the first chapter. I'll say right away that the preface is intentionally a bit vague, as this will be mentioned again in the book. If you like it, I will continue writing. I know the text is still rough, but it's a good start. When I finish the chapter, if you like it, I will edit it. And there was darkness. And time stood still. There was neither good nor evil, only what it should be restored from. In this cradle of life, as the darkness began to thicken, a spark ignited. The darkness was defeated… …The spark, like the last star before dawn, fading but fighting to the end. It burned with its gentle, pale flame. Dormant, it still has to play its role. Later, much later than its birth… …Much time has passed, but how can one say, since time is stopped? But the warmth, the light from this spark, created something that will change everything… The young elf, Albin, wiped the blood from his sword. Recently, at the school of the invisible hand, he, as a gifted student, was given a contract killing for a decent reward. A certain woman could pay up to a thousand coins for this task, depending on how the assassination went. Now, next to the elf, whose eyes were as black and bottomless as Silanna's, lay a man under a tree, dressed quite decently. The last thing left to do was for Albin to wave his knife, and he was left with the finger and ring of this man. Proof that he was killed. It would take several days to reach Glenger. Night had fallen, and our hero decided to spend the night in a tavern. The next morning, after breakfast and watching a couple of fights, he went to the city, where he was expected. He needed to reach the underground passage that day; it would be easier from there. On the way, Albin examined the ring. Although assassins are not supposed to know who the murdered person is and what the motives of the hired killer are, this elf was different. A stone was set in the platinum ring, so red that Albin's eyes hurt at first. It was all covered with runes and very strange ornaments, resembling demonic ones. Some runes were inscribed on the inside. Our dear friend hid the ring in his pocket, and his journey continued. *** Two figures in strict robes leaned over the corpse. - Do you think this is a contract killing? - Most likely. This poor fellow didn't even have time to be scared. The man closed the deceased's eyes. - Rest in peace, brother Antiphus. He opened a book and read a prayer while the other prepared him for burial on a pyre.