[Verse 1] The skyline’s broken, just like the man inside Chicago's burning in the tears I try to hide. Murphy’s gone, a ghost inside cold castle walls; I catch my breath, then stumble when the silence falls. Twelve months to heal, or maybe just to break— How much more can one weary wizard take? [Verse 2] I used to be the hammer, I used to be the flame, Now I’m just a hollow man whispering a name. Building a tower of the choices I make, While the power’s sluggish, paralyzed by the weight, Of everyone I couldn’t save before it was too late. Born under stars that the shadows all fear, But I can’t find the light in the wreckage down here. [Pre-Chorus] Mab’s command is heavy, a debt I have to pay, While the ghouls are in the shadows, hunting for their prey. And I’m staring at the weight of a White Court wedding band; I may be a wizard, I may be a knight, but don’t forget—I’m just a man. [Chorus] It’s twelve long months of trying not to drown, While the ghosts of the Battle Ground follow me through town. My brother’s in the crystal, frozen in the deep, A promise in the darkness that I’m struggling to keep. Lara needs her brother, Maggie needs her dad; I’m fighting just to keep from going mad. [Verse 3] Lara’s in the doorway, a predator in lace, We’re bound by blood and duty in this cold and hollow place. Political alliances are hanging on the line, While I’m putting it together, one slow day at a time. The Council turned their backs, cast me out in the rain, Signed my death warrant while I managed the pain. Waiting for the moment that the Winter Knight will peak, But the Council only sees a warlock they should seek. [Bridge] The gargoyles watch me, stony-faced and stern; I’ve got so much to forget, and so much to learn. Can I be the shield? Can I be the sword? Or am I just a man who's lost his ward? [Verse 4] Alfred’s watching over the prisoners in the dark, While I’m looking for a reason, looking for a spark. For Maggie and the refugees, for everyone I’ve lost, I’ll pay the winter price, no matter what the cost. My hands once held fire, now they just shake, But they’ve never seen the power of the vengeance I can take. [Chorus] It’s twelve long months of trying not to drown, While the ghosts of the Battle Ground follow me through town. My brother’s in the crystal, frozen in the deep, A promise in the darkness that I’m struggling to keep. Lara needs her brother, Maggie needs her dad; I’m fighting just to keep from going mad. [Outro] Twelve months... A brand new sky. The fire's coming back... The ice is thin... But the wizard’s still within. Still standing. Still here. The tower holds.
