Read part 1: The New Guard 1 A dark fantasy illustration of Madrina , the heartless princess, walking through a grand obsidian hall. Behind her, the powerful Patron sits on a throne of jagged black glass. Shifting shadows, demons, and spirits bow in fear as she passes, capturing the eerie and supernatural atmosphere of 'The New Guard' story. The Mortal Daughter She had everyone, minor demon or spirit, jumping out of the way as she walked toward the obsidian hall. She is furious, and every demon that saw her knew their life is at an end if they don't clear the way immediately. She is not known as the heartless daughter for nothing; her cruelty and ecstatic delight in the suffering of others is well known. The demons called her a sadist—not to her hearing, of course. She usually sent them to get her mortals that she used to play and watch as the demon tormented them. Her name is Madrina , and she is just twenty-five years old. She walked on, hissing at an old spirit that...
A man in black screaming while a demon stand behind him on a field of green. The people of the Green Land were a joyful folk. The earth itself seemed to love them; it was rich, green, and endlessly fertile. No matter the season, the harvests poured forth in abundance. Fruit hung heavy on every branch, grain bowed low in the fields, and the rivers ran sweet and clear. For generation after generation they had known nothing but plenty and happiness. They called their home a paradise and believed it would remain so forever. But even in paradise, darkness can take root. Evans was not content. He burned with resentment toward the leadership of the Green Land , convinced he could rule far better than the present king. For years he had coveted the crown, yet the people had chosen King Congo the Mighty in a fair contest. Evans had lost, and though he smiled through the ceremonies, he never accepted the result. He claimed Congo had cheated him in the final moments. The people only laughe...