

Death's Elixir
THE LEGEND
A narcissistic explorer slashes through vines and stumbles over ancient ruins, in search of a myth. After weeks, he finally discovers a long forgotten temple. As he ventures deeper through the crumbling passages, a heavy scent leads the way.
Eventually, the passageway opens into a wide chamber, empty save for an obsidian pedestal. The walls are lined with carved stone, depicting ritual sacrifice, war, and death. Stepping cautiously inside, he notices a glass bottle resting atop the pedestal.
As he gazes down upon the bottle, a sharp chill runs down his spine. Hidden in the dark corners of the room, stands a faceless, cloaked figure; Death himself.
It speaks with a rattling breath, “Breathe in this elixir to manifest your dreams, but know that nothing in life comes freely.” The explorer hesitates, but his impulsiveness cannot be stifled. He reaches out, grasps the bottle, and inhales deeply. He is overcome with the scent of leather, cardamom, and sweet amber, but images of an impending storm and corrupt darkness assault him.
From beneath Death’s heavy hood, a subtle, evil laugh echoes. Before the explorer can ponder on the unbreakable deal he has made, Death vanishes like dissipating smoke.
Years pass and the explorer’s fame grows. As his hair turns grey and he is consumed by success, he bears little mind to his deal with Death. Until one night, alone in his study, darkness descends. A familiar scent tickles his senses and his heart flutters in his chest. As he succumbs to Death’s inescapable touch, he takes in his office. Filled with trinkets, wealth, and luxury, he realises he cannot take any of it with him to his early grave.
The explorer's fame and success were soon forgotten, yet his soul remains in death’s possession, cursed to roam aimlessly in the land of never ending night, for death always collects what it’s owed, in the end.