20. Claudia

20

CLAUDIA

N arina's arms tighten around me, her tears soaking into my shirt. "Please don't go," she whispers, voice cracking.

I stroke her hair, fighting back my own tears. "I have to, Narina. This isn't my world anymore."

Two weeks have passed since that night of blood and fire. Two weeks of explaining, comforting, and coming to terms with what I've become. A demon. The word still feels strange on my tongue.

Those fourteen days had been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. I'd spent countless hours recounting the events in the ravine, trying to make sense of it all. Narina had listened with wide eyes, alternating between fascination and horror. We'd cried together, laughed together, and slowly, painfully, accepted the new reality of our lives.

"But why?" She pulls back, her eyes red-rimmed and pleading. "We can figure something out. You don't have to leave."

I cup her face, forcing a smile. "I made a contract, Narina. A lifetime of servitude to Saturus. It's not just duty – it's who I am now."

At the mention of his name, my gaze drifts to where Saturus stands a few paces away. He's giving us space, but his presence is impossible to ignore. My heart races as memories of our last encounter flood my mind – his touch, his taste, the way he made me feel alive in ways I never thought possible.

Servitude. The word should terrify me, but it doesn't. Excitement thrums through my veins at the thought of the eternity that stretches before us. Saturus may own me by contract, but he's never treated me like a slave. If anything, I feel more free than I ever have.

"Will I ever see you again?" Narina's question snaps me back to the present.

I hesitate, not wanting to make promises I can't keep. "I don't know," I admit. "But I'll always love you. Never forget that."

She nods, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. I pull her close one last time, breathing in her familiar scent, committing it to memory.

"Remember when we used to sneak out to the meadow at night?" I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "How we'd lie in the grass and make up stories about the stars?"

Narina lets out a watery chuckle. "You always came up with the craziest tales. Like the one about the star-eating dragon."

"Hey, that was a masterpiece!" I protest, grateful for the moment of levity. "Promise me you'll keep looking up at those stars, okay? And know that wherever I am, I'm looking at them too."

I pull away from Narina, my heart heavy. As I turn, my eyes lock with Saturus. A jolt of electricity courses through me, sparks flying in that single heated gaze. My breath catches, and for a moment, I forget everything else.

Shaking myself, I face Narina again. I reach into my pocket, pulling out a small, ornate token.

"Here," I say, pressing it into her palm. "If you ever need me, use this. Call out to me with your blood – it will recognize you. I'll come, no matter where I am."

The token gleams in the sunlight, its surface etched with intricate runes. It's warm to the touch, pulsing with an energy that seems to recognize Narina. Saturus had crafted it himself, infusing it with powerful magic that would bridge the gap between our worlds.

Narina's fingers close around the token, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. "I don't want you to go," she sobs, throwing her arms around me once more.

My heart shatters. I hold her tight, fighting back my own tears. "I know, my love,. I know." But we both understand the truth – I have to leave.

Finally, I step back. Saturus extends his hand to me, palm up. A shimmering portal materializes beside us, swirling with otherworldly energy. The air crackles with power, sending shivers down my spine.

I reach for him, my fingers trembling slightly as they intertwine with his. The contact sends a wave of warmth through me, steadying my resolve.

As we turn towards the portal, Saturus speaks. His voice is low, meant only for me. "I have a feeling that your sister will eventually end up in the glacies."

His words shock me, but I nod slowly. "If that's her path, it will be her choice," I say softly. "Unlike me, where circumstances forced the glacies upon me."

I pause, glancing back at Narina one last time. My little sister, so fragile yet so strong. Part of me aches to stay, to protect her from the harsh realities of this world. But I know I can't. I'm not that person anymore.

Turning back to Saturus, I feel a smile tugging at my lips. "Though I have to admit," I whisper, "being forced into the glacies was the best thing that ever happened to me."

His eyes gleam with satisfaction, a predatory grin spreading across his face. My heart races, desire pooling in my belly. How can one look affect me so deeply?

"Are you ready, my pet?" Saturus purrs, his thumb caressing my knuckles.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. "Yes," I reply, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

With one final glance at the world I'm leaving behind, I step forward with Saturus. The portal's energy crackles around us, tingling against my skin. In a heartbeat, we're enveloped by swirling light and color.

The sensation is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's as if my body is being pulled apart and put back together, molecule by molecule. Colors I've never seen before dance across my vision, and I hear whispers in languages I don't understand.

Through it all, Saturus's hand remains firmly clasped in mine, an anchor in the chaos of interdimensional travel.

As we cross the threshold between worlds, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. This is where I belong now – at Saturus's side, embracing the darkness within me.

The portal closes behind us, sealing my fate. But I'm not afraid. I'm exhilarated. A new world awaits, full of mystery and promise. And with Saturus by my side, I'm ready to face whatever comes next.Copyright ? 2024 by Celeste King

For a sneak peek of Claudia and Saturus sign up for my newsletter

Join my Facebook group here !