12. Tairyn

twelve

Tairyn

The deserted hallway hordes an eerie silence. The only sound breaking through is the soft thud of my boots on a plush, wine-colored rug. My home has always been minimalistic, with just two diligent guards, a skilled chef, and one meticulous housekeeper. I kept a small staff, believing that fewer people around meant fewer chances for chaos or complications.

However, as I pace down the corridor now, I can't help but crave a disturbance. A bubble of commotion here, or a gathering of gossiping servants over there. Anything to take my mind off the daunting task at hand. Anything to distract me from the woman who creeps into each and every thought. Frustration bubbles inside me, and I let out an annoyed huff of air, only for it to bounce off the rocky walls and mock me for my lack of willpower. Once these long, mindless walks through the empty halls gave me peace and perspective. Now…

Now it just fills me with dread. Too much space to fill with thoughts of her. Her scent. That persistent blip of Pink Chroma that heralds a waiting vision whenever I'm near her. I'm lucky the vision didn't take me by force when she slammed herself against me. A tightness forms between my shoulder blades.

A few more weeks and Malicryn and her cronies will be here to retrieve her. I suppose that's my fault too, though.

I can't shake off this feeling of unease. My jaw clenches at the thought of Mal and her plans for the Vessel. Part of me wants to know what she's up to, but I also know that if she shares them with me, it's only to gain an advantage over me. Besides, I always knew I'd be the downfall of my supposed mate.

When I first awakened in this body, my sole purpose was to find Malicryn. I knew she couldn't have mastered the complex and ancient ritual on her own; she must have had assistance. Whoever helped her would know enough to make me complete again. I never planned to become involved with the Vessel or the other Shards. My only desires were to regain what I had lost in Chroma and reclaim my soul. To ride the Great River after my death and be reborn as myself, not as Dan'thiel.

When I made the bonded bargain to serve Yurghen, I didn't know what he had in store for me. I never thought I would see my Chroma return in this cursed hue. I assumed it would be the same as before, a vibrant green. Now each time I channel, my every action is tainted by the haunting shade of purple. I constantly live in fear of what new visions will plague my mind and bring forth unimaginable terrors. Perhaps I deserve them for what I have done.

I do not blindly follow Yurghen and Mal. I have always fought back and caused chaos in my own ways. Their demands chafe at me, a different type of prison than being in this body, but it binds me, nonetheless. But now, as I face my last task of delivering the Vessel, I cannot ignore my growing doubts. The agreement seemed simple enough at first, and I thought I fully understood its terms. I should have known better. The bargain was to serve Yurghen, and by extension, serve Malicryn when needed, in exchange for restoring my magic. Once the Vessel was located and destroyed, he would perform a ritual to heal my fractured soul.

I never expected the Vessel would be someone like her. Yes, her beauty is undeniable, but it's not just her physical appearance that has me so unnerved.

It's the way she looks at me with such intense curiosity, as if she can see straight into my soul. Yet her fierce determination to protect her other mates, while noble, grates on my nerves.

It confuses me, the role I play in this back and forth. The playful banter and light jabs between us only add to the chaos in my mind. As I pace through the fortress I call home, I can feel myself unraveling from this simple task. What is it about her that has me on edge? Why am I struggling so much with this?

Keep the Vessel here until Malicryn comes to collect her, I remind myself. My hands clasp tightly behind my back as I make my way through the haunting quiet of this fortress I built long ago. Dug into the mountains themselves, the views from the top level are inspiring and the entrance is tucked deep into an abandoned mountain pass near Zinyth City.

I need to get this distasteful business over with. That's the only way forward. Delivering her to Mal directly would be explicitly disobeying my instructions and might break my bonded bargain. If I don't fulfill my part of the bargain, not only will I lose my Chroma but all chances of becoming whole.

It's not worth risking it.

I could leave this place, let my two bloodthirsty guards watch her until Malicryn comes to fetch her.

The thought of leaving her here in their care fills me with dread. I know they are capable, but the idea of what they might do to her makes me sick. My stomach churns thinking of their cruel and sadistic tendencies taking over, especially if she tried to resist.

Despite my unease, I continue down the unfamiliar staircase leading into darkness, likely a servant access stairwell I'd long forgotten in the blueprints. The only source of light is a small candle embedded in the stone wall, casting eerie shadows as I descend further. My instincts kick in, and I summon a disgusting orb of plum Chroma to guide me, its ominous glow adding to my tension as I delve deeper into the bowels of my fortress.

Usually, I find myself climbing up the stairs on these walks, not descending them.

Perhaps I could hire a few new fae to come keep watch, but I don't think there would be anyone I could train and trust in such a short amount of time.

No, it seems my only option is to keep my distance from her and wait.

Unless…

A thought slams into me with such force that my feet falter, tripping over the corner of a razor-thin runner that lines the cold corridor floor on this level.

Malicryn never said not to bond her.

In fact, she's given no explicit instructions beyond keeping the Vessel here until she comes to collect her. My fingers trace the sharp edges of my jaw as I consider this interesting thought.

Receiving my Chroma through the mate bond, rather than Yurghen's dark magic, would undoubtedly enhance my powers. And once I fulfill my duty and he restores my soul, I would be one of the strongest mages in existence. With such strength and influence, I could finally take action against Malicryn and repay her for all her petty deeds. Perhaps I could repay them both for the years of torment.

Tempting, indeed.

Bond her, let the mate bond amplify my existing Chroma, and then deliver her as planned to Malicryn.

Simple enough.

A plan takes shape in my mind just as the damned pink Chroma pulses in the corner of my eye again. As I pause my descent into the foreboding stairs leading to the dungeon, my mind is torn between anticipation and dread. Her presence pulls me in, but I growl in frustration at my weakness.

Why am I here?

My feet seem to have a mind of their own, betraying my better judgment. Rage and desire war within me as I reach the bottom step, unsure of what lies ahead.

Creating a bond between us will require careful maneuvering, not just before the bonding process, but also after. If I'm already aware of the draw I feel towards her, I can only estimate how much stronger that will be once the bond is in place. But my desire to be complete is so strong that I will do whatever it takes. I will not fail at this. I've already given too much of myself to meet this goal.

I will deliver her to Malicryn and accept whatever fate she has planned for the Vessel if it means I can finally be whole. With determination, I pivot on my heels and head towards higher ground.

Far away from the prisoner ahead.

But as I cautiously take the first step away from the dark, damp dungeons, the ancient stone floor groans deeply beneath me. And then, a low rumble shakes the ground, as if the very earth is protesting my escape. The walls seem to tremble, and the vibrations shake through the soles of my shoes.

In the distance, the echo of her scream runs through my core, and then my feet are moving.