In the hold of darkness

[Brother Prime]

Brother Prime was a prideful man. There were few who had ever met him who would dispute that fact. He was arrogant. Vain. Cruel. Conceited.

He was also a man who knew which side his bread was buttered on. He was not a foolish man, in most matters. There had been that moment, some weeks ago when he had kissed Ariane, and meant it. That had been...troublesome. Tonight, however, Prime knew his mission. He knew is place. And that place was on his knees.

"I place myself at your feet with respect, honor and Belief, Your Grace."

Brother Prime knelt on the cold stone floor of the cavern, his hands folded neatly before him, his glittering gaze cast to the floor.

The shadows seethed around him as she moved. The air of the cavern was moist and cold, a strange change from the world outside.

"Look at me, Pet. You, of all of them, may look upon me. Though your respect is noted, and appreciated. "

There was a strange accent to her voice, the words tinged with an almost metallic sound. Though the voice was smooth, calming, erotic, even when such was not her intention.

Her form remained in shadow, even as she moved closer. Her flesh glittered as tiny shards of light struck it. Her scent was that of rose water and smoke.

"I know you must be wondering why I have called you here after so many months have passed. It is very simple, pet. The time has come for you to fly with your own wings. Too long have you been burdened with thoughts, memories, ideals, that are not your own."

As she spoke, Prime's back straightened. His pulse quickened. She spoke the words he had waited some years now to hear. It was time for the guest to be evicted.

"Do you mean it, Your Grace? Will I truly be unburdened by him? Forever? "

Even before he could see the smile that crept over her features, he placed his forehead to the cold stones at her feet. A show of complete reverence for her.

"Mind your manners, Brother. I am not your God. I am not the one who you owe your devotion. Though you have been a most devoted pet."

A clawed hand reached down to stroke the silken midnight locks. Talons like black glass teasing through his hair, nicking at his scalp. Suddenly they tightened on his flesh, tips clenching inward, piercing the flesh and holding him to the ground at her feet.

"It is time."

Soft words spoken, as she held one of the most feared men in all of Myrken to the ground at her feet. Tiny clicks of her tongue, as the incantation took form.

"Come to me, Michael. Come to me my sweet. It is time to be free."

A gasp from the man at her feet, as if he had been struck in the chest. His body now limp upon the floor. Even as a scream erupted from a room deep in the cavern. A scream torn from the ragged lips and parched throat of a man asleep some ten years now.