Nick’s looks in disbelief, says “I’m not quite sure what you mean”
The Mage drinks his wine and sighs, says “I’ll just spell it out for you
If you serve the creatures from the Next and help to bring them back
They’ll gift you power over magic, which I know you lack”
A pact that cost so much more than it first appears
The same that’s haunted Nick for far too many years
For one swift moment Nick is tempted by the deal
To be a mage in truth, to have power for real
But it comes crashing down, disgust that he’d ever forget
Promises he made twenty years ago, and would always regret
The lives he sacrificed in his pursuit
The dark stain on his soul that nothing could dilute
But he is older now, no longer blind
Nick frowns at the Mage as he finally makes up his mind
“I’m afraid I must decline”
The Mage sighs and shakes his head
“Since you now know our plan, you’re going to end up dead”
His eyes flash bright and silver
As flames engulf the room
Nick staggers back
Sensing both magic and his nearing doom
“Nick, you made the wrong choice
This is the end”
Unwilling to give in
Nick reaches out his hand