Yay! I've been waiting for this one :D

So many great scenes - Darken wanting to be Lord Rahl to protect Melis, the whole thing with Sabrina and Nathair compassionately killing her, Shota being all mysterious and epic, the blue jay...

I also love the mention of the dangerous attics and the three-part possible futures for Darken at the end :D Something for every shipper ;)

Then she wondered if that were blasphemy, to attribute murder, even directly, to the Creator's wishes. Do you mean 'even indirectly? Sorry, a tiny point I know.

This story is so epic. I love that Darken is still himself, too - still ambitious and determined and smart and proud, but not evil. Great job :D