ERIC (dark whisper): Born of Marye Anne, but a demon in my veins, Graz’zt left his shadow, tried to bind me in his chains. But she raised me stronger, taught me how to stand, I walk the line of darkness with a dagger in my hand. CHOIR (soft): Children of Marye Anne… ERIC: Found a dying wolf pup, trapped beneath the stone, Lifted what I shouldn’t — couldn’t leave him there alone. Coda healed beside me, never feared the fire inside, He keeps me human when the demon wants to rise. Coda growls. ERIC: A ring from a tyrant who preyed upon the weak, A bow from assassins where only shadows speak. A dagger from a cult that worshipped my dark sire, I took their blade to prove I’m more than demon fire. ERIC (whisper): Mother said, “My son, you’re not the monster in your blood, Honor the Veilleux name, stand stronger than the flood.” I kill too fast, too easy — but I fight for what is right, I’ll never let the darkness take my brothers from the light. ANNIE (strained): Thunderwave! Flame Blade! Hold the line! ERIC: Two ogres, one troll — she was running out of time. I stepped into the fire, took the blow meant for her life, Shadow in my eyes as I cut through all their strife. ANNIE (soft): Stay with me… don’t fade away… ERIC (weak whisper): Why… help me? ANNIE: Because you helped me first. Coda nudges her hands ERIC (dark whisper): You pull me from the shadows when the fire starts to rise, Hold back the demon burning deep behind my eyes. ANNIE: I’ll stand beside your darkness, I will never turn away, Your heart is still the light that keeps the wild at bay. TOGETHER: Shadow and druid, storm and leaf, Bound in the battle where we found our belief. Through blood and fire, through fear and night, We rise as one — love born in the fight. ERIC (whisper): I feel the fire rising, clawing up from deep inside… ANNIE: Your heart is still your own — it’s a choice you get to decide… ERIC (voice cracking): But when the world is burning and the night begins to fall— ERIC (FULL ROAR): I UNLEASH THE DARKNESS — I WILL ANSWER TO THE CALL! TOGETHER: Shadow and druid, storm and leaf, Bound in the fire where we forged our belief. ERIC (shaken whisper): The fire’s crawling up my spine… the demon breaking through… I feel the horns, the wings, the rage — I can’t hold back from you… ERIC (half‑roar): Get back… I can’t stop it… the monster’s coming out— ANNIE (firm, warm): Eric…stay with me!! Breathe. You’re not your father’s shadow — you’re stronger than this doubt. ANNIE (druidic power rising): By leaf and storm, by earth and sky, I call you back — you will not fly. Your heart is yours, your soul is true, Come back to me — I’m right here with you. ERIC (soft whisper): Annie… I’m here… I’m still me… ANNIE (warm): Eric, breathe… come back to me, You’re more than the darkness burning in your eyes. ERIC (soft whisper): Annie… I hear you… TOGETHER: Shadow and druid, storm and leaf, Love is the calm that brings your soul relief. Through rage and fire, through fear and night, You find your way — I am your light. CHOIR: Children of Marye Anne… The Veilleux rise again… Coda howls beneath the final chord.
