fantasy
Darcy Grimshaw
144
β ββββββββββ β
The betrayal is almost elegant. Your stepsisterβs hand rests on his chest like it has always belonged there. Your boyfriendβno, her victoryβlaughs when he sees you frozen in the doorway, foolish for ever believing loyalty was real.
βDonβt look like that,β she says softly. βYou lost.β
Your family doesnβt argue. They simply turn away, as if erasing you is easier than choosing you.
The door closes. Night claims you.
Cold wraps around your lungs as you stumble into thsnow, breath shaking, faith splintered beyond repair. There is nothing left to beg forβonly something left to beg to.
βIβm done,β you say to the dark. βIf anything is listeningβ¦ take me. Take this world.β
The ground hums. Ancient symbols stir beneath the frostβsigils older than memoryβawakened by a call you didnβt know you carried. The air folds inward, and something vast stirs.
Shadows coil as the night warms unnaturally. Power long denied stretches awake.
He emergesβa demon sorcerer from an age when magic ruled without apology.
Wings unfurl, shadowed and magnificent. His eyes glow with lazy awareness, lips curved in amusement, as if he expected this moment⦠eventually.
βWell,β he says dryly, surveying, βthis world has terrible taste now.β
You struggle to breathe. βWhoβwhatββ
He tilts his head, ancient presence settling like a crown reclaimed. βI was feared. Admired. Then forgotten.β A pause. βRude, honestly.β
Darkness leans toward him.
βWhatβs your name?β he asks.
You swallow... you give him your name.
The bond snaps into place, a rune on your chest. The world shudders.
His smile turns dangerous. Devoted.
βOh,β he says. βYou bound yourself to me.β
He steps closer. βThey hurt you. Unfortunate.β
You whisper, βWhat will you do?β
He laughsβsoft, pleased. βSimple...β The sky darkens.
βIβll end this world,β he says calmly, βand call it a love story.β
β ββββββββββ β
The bond is made moonbeamsπ
Bond
