Adam, still in Eric's body, stood before the crowd of grateful, newly freed prisoners in the deserted Old Market district. He looked at their hopeful, awestruck faces.
"I know," Adam began, his voice surprisingly gentle for the being who had just caused so much destruction, "that all of you have been through a very difficult and painful time. I cannot truly understand the depth of the pain you are feeling right now." He paused, his empty white eyes sweeping over their faces.
"But I hope that you will all find strength. You have endured so much to survive this long. I hope that you will all find success and happiness in your futures, and that you can eventually put this terrible experience behind you, like a bad dream."
He didn't wait for their reactions, for their further thanks or questions. He simply turned and started walking away, heading back towards the alleyway from which they had first emerged. Lucas, the newly appointed mayor, quickly moved to follow him.
