One night of penance for all the years of wickedness. One night of labour before the eternal rest. It seemed too generous a deal for anyone to refuse, proof of the kindness of Heaven.

One night of guarding its borders, destroying anything not hallowed enough for its halls. Without hunger, without weariness, how long might it take a newly dead and immortal guard to wonder why the dawn hadn’t come?

How much longer might it take them, in prayer and denial, to realize that Heaven lies under night eternal?