I settle into him, marveling at the sights around me as he strolls along, carefully picking each step. The brutal path slowly gives way to strange-looking plants, dying and decrepit as if trapped in their final stage of existence. Spider webs cover the ghastly shrubs, and wilting blooms cling stubbornly to life. They, too, have long since served their purpose. The remnants of webs ripple against the shadows, breaking off to dance amongst them as an unfelt breeze blows continuously, animating the decay.
The path curves on, and we walk in silence. The barren dirt turns to black paved stone, laid in a pattern with glowing runes illuminating the way. Small trees with crumbling bark, broken branches, and a few blowing leaves appear sprinkled throughout what once may have been a whimsical garden.
It’s beautiful. Or it must have been at some point.
It was,Marbles replies, revealing nothing more.
The path widens, spilling into a pentagram-shaped courtyard. Shades of gray and black stone, covered in carved runes, stretch before us.
I gasp.
Marblas stops in the center of the castle courtyard.
I look around, squinting in each direction. To one side, black stone covers the outside of the looming castle, sweeping upwards as far as I can see before the walls become cloaked in shadows. A second entrance reveals itself a small stretch away,heavily guarded by winged creatures.
I gasp again.
Stop it,Marbles scolds.Don’t embarrass me.
Who are we meeting?I ask, projecting my words into his mind.
They’ll arrive soon. I can sense them. Be quiet, and watch for a disturbance.
I scan the abandoned garden of ruins. Lanterns scattered throughout illuminate a rotting hedge maze. More lights flicker, casting shadows in the distance. Around the perimeter, terrifying winged warriors suddenly appear, staring at us like the unwelcome guests we are. They have us surrounded. I run my fingers over my corset, feeling for the blades Azrael gifted me. They hum against my touch, filled with the magic of his love forme. I don’t belong here; this isn’t the afterlife. I thought I was dying—sacrificing myself. Now all I want is to fall back into his arms. This new journey has only just begun, and already I miss him fiercely.
The universe cracks as a rift forms in midair. Three black swirling shadows explode from it, approaching from the left. The warriors part, allowing them to enter.
In that direction, a bench marks the edge of the courtyard. It’s intricately carved entirely of bone, glowing stark white against the darkness–empty and foreboding.
The three Fates stand ahead, ready to receive us. My stomach twists in knots. I’ve come to associate their presence with bad omens. They hover in silence, the weight of their magic filling the entirety of the garden until it’s suffocating. Ancient, powerful magic makes my blood run cold and my hands tremble where they’re wrapped around Marblas’ bones, hidden by shadows. I give him a squeeze, then dismount, sliding to my feet effortlessly. My boots hit the ground with a thud that echoes off the walls.
“Thank you, Marblas,” the Fates grumble in unison. “You may take your leave.”
He nuzzles against my shoulder.Be brave and strong. I’ll see you at home.
At home.It sends a tingle of magic through me. He’s right; that’s my home—but I know I’m not going back. I made my choice.I died to save Azrael from the same end. I stroke my fingers through Marblas’ shadow-soft mane and watch as he disappears.
“What about me?” I ask the Fates. “Am I dead yet?”
The eerie figures exchange glances. At last, one steps forward.
“You must first pass a series of tests before your destiny is decided. Succeed and return renewed.”
“What kind of test?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“You may not ask questions—not without a sacrifice,” the Past snarls.
I shrink away from them, realizing for the first time ever I’m truly alone, with no one to rescue me.
“First test. Answer the question: if you could go back alone, would you? Know this: you’ll be reborn to live another lifetime. Your next life will be full of happiness, where you’ll know what it is to be loved and will love another in return, the same way you love Azrael. But you’ll never see him again, and will have no memory of him or this life.”
My jaw drops open in shock. Would I trade my love for Azrael and our story for a second chance? My heart aches. I know what Azrael would want me to say—which option he’d tell me to choose. But I can’t bring myself to do it.
“No,” I whisper.
The Past bows her head. “You’ve proven you’re worthy to be his mate for all eternity. You would sacrifice your comfort and happiness for him. An act of love, and love alone. Let the next trial begin.”
A crack sounds overhead, and soon smoke fills the courtyard. The aroma of a burning fire fills my nostrils. A quick look around reveals I’m no longer in the dead garden, but instead under the big top, and everything is burning.
