**(Verse 1)** I walked the light when the world was young and broken, A healer’s touch where the daemons crept in. They crowned me king in the people’s eyes unspoken, But my brother’s blade sent me spiraling into sin. Two thousand years in the dark I have wandered, Immortal flame that the Crystal denied. They called me monster, yet I grew fonder Of the night that swallowed their hollow pride. **(Pre-Chorus)** I smile through the pain, I laugh through the lies, A gentleman’s mask on a god’s ruined guise. **(Chorus)** I am the darkness they fear in their dreams, The Starscourge king with his crown of screams. While you chase the dawn, little chosen one, I’ll pull every thread till your kingdom’s undone. Come closer, my dear, let me show you the way, How a fallen star steals the light from the day. Ardyn Izunia, the name they erased— I’ll drag every Lucian down to my grave. **(Verse 2)** They begged for my mercy, then buried my name, Exiled my soul to the endless black rain. Somnus the Founder, the “hero” they acclaim, But history’s written in innocent flame. I wear your face when I walk through your city, I whisper your fears in the dead of the night. Every prophecy bends to my pity— The Oracle falls, and the Crystal cracks white. **(Pre-Chorus)** I gift you my pain wrapped in velvet and charm, A final performance, a beautiful harm. **(Chorus)** I am the darkness they fear in their dreams, The Starscourge king with his crown of screams. While you chase the dawn, little chosen one, I’ll pull every thread till your kingdom’s undone. Come closer, my dear, let me show you the way, How a fallen star steals the light from the day. Ardyn Izunia, the name they erased— I’ll drag every Lucian down to my grave. **(Bridge)** If the gods won’t have me, then I’ll be their end, A brother’s betrayal I’ll return tenfold. Watch your friends fade as the daemons ascend, Your precious dawn... turning ice cold. I was meant to save them—now I’ll be their curse, The last thing you see when your short life reverses. **(Final Chorus - slower, darker)** I am the darkness... you’ll beg for release, The eternal wound that will never know peace. Take my hand, Noctis, fulfill our cruel fate, Two kings collide at the edge of the gate. When the Crystal shatters and your light disappears, You’ll finally understand... through all these years... I never hated you, my dear boy, no— I just wanted you to suffer... what I’ve known. **(Outro)** Ardyn Izunia... still smiling alone... In the long night... I finally go home.
