William stormed through the palace, no-one daring to get in the man’s way. His eyes radiated a deep chill as he arrived in a small, heavily guarded corner of the Palace. Looking at the two Unyeilding Gurads they gave a single nod, opening the doors for him.

Isra sat alone, reading a small book and waiting. "William." Her voice was soft as the man rested his hand on her shoulder. "How is he?"

Looking down in regret he could only muster a bitter smile as he moved to the press. "His Majesty is a strong person, but even he will struggle with this." Isra could only give a small nod as she leaned back letting out a deep exhale.

"I understand. I should be with him."

"In time. For now, his Majesty has to deal with everything happening in Far Mile and you have to look after things in his absence." Isra gave a knowing nod but it didn’t change the fact that she wished to go to Alfred’s side.

"Everything is ready for you. But why the rush?

William put one of the papers in the press and did a small test to see if everything was working properly. "His Majesty wishes to spread the word about the attack." Looking to the door he sighed. "The Church did it. At least he is convinced by it."

"I don’t blame that line of thought. No one else has a motive." Isra quickly agreed with Alfred’s methods as William wore a nervous smile.

"I just worry he may be rushing things."

"What do you think?"

Willaim took a seat on the other side of the room as he looked at the ceiling. "Honestly. I agree with him. The church is the only one with the motive and resources to carry out such an attack. As well as knowing the timeline of the event they would know the perfect time to attack."

"But you feel this is wrong?" Isra gestured around to the press and stacks of paper around them getting a nod in reply.

"Yeah. The Empire is firmly under His Majesty’s control but, with the situation in the Safrid lands having only begun to stabilize I fear what could happen. Adding to this, the Church is integral to it. If we had a couple more years I wouldn’t be so hesitant."

"We don’t have that luxury anymore William," Isra said bitterly. "If we wait, it gives them a chance to prepare. At least now we have the upper hand."

"You’re right." William looked down at his hands and clenched his fists. "Either way, I’m Alfred’s loyal servant. If this is what he wishes to do then I will do it." Sitting in silence William put on a more peaceful smile as he looked at Isra. "How is the Prince?"

"He gets calmer by the day. But Daisy has noticed some strangeness in his behavior." Raising an eyebrow William leaned forward. "He’s quite aggressive. The way he plays and acts with Daisy. I’ve noticed it a couple of times but he’s more calm around me."

"Maybe it’s just an outlet." William sighed. "At a time when children begin to learn to walk, the Prince is unable. Maybe he is finding another way to get rid of that energy he has."

"I hope." Isra felt her eyes begin to water thinking about her son. "It’s just hard. I don’t know what to do. Alfred tries his best but he has to think of Edward as the future Emporer aswell, not as his son."

"Have you spoken to Catherine?" William asked getting a gentle nod.

"Yeah. She has been a great help to me, but I don’t expect her to have the answers. I mean no one has a child like Edward." William’s head dropped as he closed his eyes,

"You’re not doing a bad job Isra," William said truthfully as he looked up with a grandfatherly smile. "You and Alfred both have been stronger than most parents."

"Thank you." Small tears fell from her eyes as she gently wiped them. "I just have to keep him safe is all." Getting up she patted down her clothes and fixed her appearance. "I will take my leave. I know you have work that needs to be done."

"Of course." William got up and bowed before turning to the press and sighing.

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Alfred opened his eyes as he looked around. The world felt dead, as he looked out the window. The city that should have had even the tiniest bit of noise was eerily silent as not a single bit of light could be seen.

Grabbing his head he frowned. "Why am I back here?" He recognized it instantly. Every time he became overwhelmed with emotion he would always end up like this in his dreams. He hated it. Frowning he left and walked out onto the balcony as he looked up at the moon.

"Once again you failed." A mocking voice spoke out, its words trailing as the shadow beneath him formed into a copy of him.

Alfred stared down the shadow not saying a word as it glided around him a large slit for a mouth. "Do you know why?" Its teasing voice sounded horrid in Alfred’s ears as he lunged out trying to grab it, falling through it as it vanished into smoke. "You’re weak. Hesitating to make the hard choices. And poor Chris suffers for it."

"Shut up!" Alfred screamed out as slowly pushed himself up. "You’re nothing but my own mind." Turning around he froze looking at the moons and sky. The moons had gone red as two dark streaks ran through the middle looking like the eyes of a demon.

The sky seemed to be dyed in blood as a deep crimson hue covered it. Carefully walking to the balcony edge he looked down and saw multiple figures tied up kneeling. His breathing got heavier as he recognized them as all the people he cared about in the world.

"How much longer will you be a fool who can’t act." The voice spoke out as the heads of the people all fell off as if perfectly cut. His breathing got heavier watching their heads roll, each one stopping and looking at him, their faces screaming as if they died in agonizing pain.

"This is just a vision. Stop it." Alfred cried as a laugh seemed to spread out across the city.

"Of course it is." Feeling a hand grip around his throat the voice leaned in next to his ear. "But in time this will become the future. You hesitate over and over. Afraid to do what has to be done." The voice paused. "Look."

A dark finger pointed in front as Alfred watched. On the house opposite he could see Isra gently cradling Edward. He gulped at the sight as he saw blood pouring out of their bodies, hundreds of wounds all over them.

"They’re never safe Alfred. Not whilst our enemies still exist." The voice spoke as if it was a caring friend. "First Raven, now Chris. How many more must we lose before you understand this."

"I’m trying," Alfred spoke through gritted teeth unable to take his eyes off Isra. "I’m trying so hard. When is it ever enough? When will it ever be safe."

"When nothing escapes you." The voice said slyly. "Why don’t you understand this."

Alfred pushed himself away breaking away from the sights before him as he returned back indoors. Inside the moonlight woman stood, her body less bright then before.

"Don’t fall for his tricks." It spoke softly as it leaned in and hugged Alfred. The clicking of a tongue came from behind as Alfred leaned into the moonlight woman.

"Look what inaction brought. Making deals with the church, trying to pacify Nakhala" The shadow got closer hand gripping around Alfred’s throat. "And Helga." The name froze him as he turned back seeing her devilish face morphing with the shadow.

"Every time you have tried to find a peaceful way, something has gone wrong. The Gods don’t care about you, only me." Alfred pushed both figures away as he stood between them. His eyes darted between them as he slowly collapsed.

"Why can’t anything be how I want." His voice was desperate as the two looked at him; the moonlight woman full of sorrow whilst the shadow with contempt.

"Because of your weakness/ambition." The two spoke at once as their voices flooded Alfred’s mind.

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Alfred opened his eyes as he saw the roof of his room once more. His breathing was quick as clenched the covers over his body. Closing his eyes he tried to think but couldn’t.