• Chapter 1: Surrender

    Hushed murmurs filled her ears, causing her to wince at the cruelty laced between harsh words, uttered in contempt. These women did not want her to overhear their private conservation about her, however, Jessie’s hearing enabled to hear their bitter conversation. Her heightened ears were a blessing as well as a curse when it came to these awkward situations. Ever since the demise of her parents, none of her other family members wanted the daunting challenge of raising her. Closing her eyes, Jessie tried to block out all the horrible things her family said about her, most of it wasn’t even true, the cold truth was that they feared her. They claimed she was the sole cause for the destruction, which had befallen her beloved parents. They talked of demons and curses, frightening things; blaming her for the family’s current predicament.
    Jessie did not understand her family’s hatred, she had never encountered a demon nor heard of any curse. At fourteen Jessie felt completely helpless, wondering if any one would have pity on her and take her in. Praying to her deceased parents to somehow assist her in this unfortunate outcome and help her be strong. Finally the voices ceased and Jessie awaited for their decision, filled with trepidation.
    An older woman spoke first, Jessie vaguely recognized her as a great-aunt, lines ageing her face and giving her a sinister look.
    “Well child, it has not been an easy consensus, but we have decided where you will go.”
    Strangely her words were spoken softly, barely audible, as if she feared Jessie’s response to their decision. The great-aunt did not continue and a second voice piped in,
    “Oh for Heaven’s sake Mildred, I’ll tell her!” Jessie’s eyes turned to the other speaker, a woman who appeared to be in her late forties and who Jessie did not recognize.
    Pointing a finger in Jessie’s direction she said boldly, “You child, are being sent to the woods, where you shall remain alone. You are unfit to be raised by any of us and we will not allow you to harm this family anymore.”
    Unblinking, time stopped as did Jessie’s heart as it sunk to the bottom of her stomach. She broke out into a sweat, shaking slightly as the impact of this unknown woman’s words hit her hard.
    “Look, she’s going to curse us all!” Jessie heard voices and bodies move, but she could not move and vaguely she remembered the sensations of being carried and then dropped.
    Blackness, unforgiving emptiness swallowed her whole as her mind and body was enveloped by unconsciousness.
    Groaning, Jessie did not attempt to get up, merely laying and trying to make sense of her spinning head and aching limbs. Carefully she opened one eye, blinking rapidly as the darkness in the room cramped around her. Getting onto her elbows she swung her head, trying to discern her surroundings and figure out where exactly she was. However, a sound chilled her to the core, immediately causing her to shake violently. A hunter’s howl reverberating, a warning of impending death and destruction. It was a known fact that these dark creatures roamed wildly in the forests, killing when they pleased and snatching young maidens.
    “They left me out here, in the woods,” Jessie’s voice cracked as she finally understood her family’s intentions. They wanted her gone, murdered by vicious demons, who would surely devour her. Perhaps they wouldn’t notice her in this shack, she could wait for morning and try to escape. But they could smell her, they would surely come for her, torment her with their wickedness and then destroy her body and soul.
    Releasing an anguished moan, Jessie clutched her head trying to figure out this horrendous situation, seeking guidance.
    “Such a lovely scent, my dear. Absolutely divine.” The voice drifted to her ears, causing her to cease her movements, almost soothing her frazzled nerves.
    Opening her eyes, Jessie blinked at the figure in the corner of the shack, his body hidden by the black shadows strewn throughout the tiny space.
    She opened her mouth to plead with him, to try and save herself one last time, but a cool hand caressed her face, halting her words.
    “No need, it does not matter what you plead or beg. Fate has decided this night.” Jessie could see the white teeth as his smile broadened, clearly he was pleased to be the first to find her. A seemingly rare jewel in this forsaken forest, a plaything to be used and tormented, bent to his will.
    “You are special, little one. Very special, no harm will come to you, dispel your fears and come with me.”
    Looking up into the demon’s hooded eyes, Jessie felt compelled to comply with his demands and swiftly shook her head in agreement.



    Chapter 2: Melding Hearts

    Shaking her head, Jessie tried to clear her head of the fogginess clouding her mind, trying to figure out what had happened.
    ‘It feels like I’m being carried, but how…’
    Jessie’s eyes fluttered opened as she tried to make sense of these new sensations.
    “You’re awake, I was worried you’d sleep the night away.”
    Gasping Jessie focused on the body carrying her slight form, it was the demon from before, smirking down on her as if this was normal behavior.
    Finding her voice Jessie demanded, “Where are you taking me? Are you going to eat me?”
    His eyes crinkled in amusement, clearly un-offended by her blunt accusations.
    “Don’t you remember sweetness, you agreed to come with me. I am taking you home, we are almost there, so don’t be so anxious precious.”
    Speechless Jessie stared up at him, mouth agape, eyes glazed in the turmoil her mind was under. This could not be happening, this creature was taking her to his home, to do what he wished with her.
    Blinking up at him, she studied his face and realized that he looked like a young man, a very attractive man. His dark brown hair, laid choppily around his face, framing his sharp hazel eyes. A light dusting of facial hair lined his lower face and chin, adding a more masculine look. Blood rushed to her face as she realized just how handsome he was and it only added to her discomfort.
    “You can’t take me there, I don’t know where we are and this is hardly proper behavior for a young lady.”
    Eyes focused straight ahead he said ever so softly, “You belong to me so it is only fitting I take you to your new home. This was decided before you were born, you cannot change the outcome of your fate.”
    Shaking in terror Jessie struggled futilely against his solid frame, trying desperately to free herself of his hands. However, it did not matter he held her tighter unrelenting in his hold on her body.
    Stopping suddenly, he placed her on the earth, kneeling on the ground with her. He still had his arms on her shoulders, so that their touch remained intact.
    “Jessica, look at me. I am sorry that my words have frightened you, but the sooner you are aware of the situation the faster you can adjust. I will never lie to you precious, you would know immediately if I even tried to. Do you see that mark on your inner wrist?”
    Jessie glanced down at the indicated spot, she already knew it was there, her whole life her family had spoken of bad omens. The mark was a curse.
    He picked up her wrist and carefully laid a soft kiss directly on the mark, gently swiping his tongue over the area of flesh.
    “My sweetness, I placed this on your skin when you were a babe. It signifies our contract and connects us together. Your parents sought me, because you were dying. They knew you would not survive without the magic and power a demon possesses.”
    Jessie was in shock, she could not believe her own parents would condemn her in such a sacrilegious manner. Branding her for life, it was no wonder her family disowned her very existence, when it had stemmed from some dark ritual.
    When she didn’t speak he continued his explanation. “And so I took pity on you and lent you the strength to fight your condition and heal, however, everything has its price. I told your parents that when you matured I would come for you, I sealed your soul to mine. There is no breaking it, for if one of us should die the other would not be able to bear the separation.”
    Placing his forefinger under her chin he lifted her head so he could gauge her reaction to all of this information. He knew she was exhausted mentally and physically, his news only served to further deplete her of any strength.
    Picking her up once again he noticed her body sagged against his chest, her eyes were closed, as if in deep contemplation. Bending his head he placed a chaste kiss to her forehead and murmured a command for her to sleep, she struggled very little at his invasion, exhaustion erasing the fight in her.
    He continued to walk until a large mansion came into view, shadows danced on the windows as the moonlight bathed the dark castle. He smiled as he looked down on his treasure, finally he would not have to endure alone.


    Chapter 3: Forever Entertwined