When the villain demanded that you submit or be destroyed you just apathetically shrugged and braced yourself for death. You were surprised when the villain did not kill you and instead offered you a nice, comfortable room and an appointment with their personal therapist.
“I think I am going to enjoy this more than the last of your kind I burned to the ground.” He combs his fingers through the dark brown curls atop his head before crouching down closer to me.
I can no longer feel my fingers as they press into inches of snow and ice. How did it come to this? A fleck of sleet caresses my cheek as I dare to look into his violet eyes.
“Now. What will it be?” My chest feels tight at his words. They come out so calm and direct. But I know this is the way it has to be. I cannot imagine going another day without Eric. He was my soulmate. My best friend. And two months ago, some drunk driver took him away forever. The worst part is that this is not the first time I have tried to find my way to him. This is just the only time someone has responded.
I look to the Ouiji board burning in the metal bin to our right. Some friends had told me it was great for making connections to the lost. Only, instead of finding Eric…
“Well?” The man before me straightens and fastens a button against his deep blue suit jacket.
I think about what he offered when he first appeared from thin air. I was setting fire to the last bit of hope I had, when poof. Tall, dark, and handsome came into view so quickly, I was knocked flat on my ass. He growled slightly then smiled before offering me certain death.
Well, actually… he asked if I was willing to submit to his will or be destroyed. For one, I will submit to no man. And two, this might be my chance to be together with Eric again.
I do not flinch as I simply shrug my shoulders and tilt my head down awaiting what comes next.
“Fuck.”
But death does not come. I startle at his curse and stare back at him. His brows furrow in what I would guess is frustration, maybe?
“You would rather I burn you in the same way you have burned my connection to this world, versus doing my bidding?”
I cannot help the chuckle I let out. I am so miserable. So miserable that… he is right. I would. I am ready to leave this world. There is nothing left in it for me.
“What? Like I am supposed to want to continue living? Much less living for you?”
The sun has set on the horizon, and the only light illuminating us now comes from flickers of the dying flame. I glance at the board again, and it is still there. I cannot even see any scorch marks against its sturdy wooden frame.
Who is he?
“This is so fucking sad.” I look back at him, but he is gone.
Within seconds his breath is warm against my ear. I quickly whirl my face to my right, only inches away from his lips. How is he so fast?
“How about this, Little Birdy.” I shuffle backwards to put space between us as a smile forms on his lips. “I won’t subject you to torture or damnation just yet. First,” he pulls a small card from his suit pocket and extends it out in front of me, “take this card. His name is Freid and he works wonders on the human and non-human mind.”
Out of curiosity, I take the card and read the bold red print:
Nocturnal Psychology
Dr. Freid Ryor and Associates
111 Winston C. Boulevard
Seattle, WA
Psychology?
“Next, I want you to come with me and stay at my place until your thoughts on death shift. It’s not some magical playground where all of your Earthly worries can be free from. You humans… I swear.”
I do not even try to hide the shock on my face as I slowly rise from the ground. The wind whips a few strands of my untamed golden hair across my forehead as I steady myself.













