Kazirian.
“Dragon of the Moonless Night.”
Alternately, “Dragon of the Deepest Night.”
It is power born in shadow.
Kazirian, “Dragon of the Moonless Night” or “Dragon of Midnight.”
Power born in shadow—when the night obscures and brings rest—the name gains power.
Both Anton and Agni rise and fall with the moonless night. Their influence waxes and wanes in tandem. In darkness, things are born. Secrets. Conflicts. Destinies.
The Black Moon War begins in darkness. The Voice of Ages speaks in darkness.
And like a waxing moon, it grows to a dominating light from which one cannot hide.
Anton Kazirian is bound to darkness. Still. Eternal. His power not only rises in literal darkness, but when the Mortal Realms turn from the light. Like twilight, he is never “there” or “gone.” Only inevitable.
Agni lives between light and darkness. He is not just “between,” each world pulls at him. Unlike most mortals, he sees in the darkness—not only as a natural gift, but because Anton taught him to walk through the shadow.
But he is tethered to the light. To Alexander, who seeks clarity. To Kali, who seeks hope. To the Kazian people who revere him and love the light.
Agni sees himself as their shield, their lantern-bearer in a storm of shadows. He knows they cannot comprehend Anton—not out of arrogance, but protection. For to reveal the Voice of Ages could break their hearts…or draw them into Anton’s schemes.
To his friends, his secrecy feels patronizing. But to him, it is love.
Yet that may be Anton’s greatest weakness.
Anton cannot comprehend friendship. He has plotted alone for two thousand years. He sees Alexander and Kali as “dust”—they are not Kazirian. They are not important.
In truth, they are Agni’s strength.
Light and darkness are not metaphors for good and evil. They are currents to be ridden and even embraced.
Agni walks alone, one foot in each world.
Who will prevail?