[M4F] Script: The Retainer of the Clock Tower

<Fade> Stepping out into the mid-morning sun, she paused, struck by just how different the world around her was. She knew what she had been getting into, and the conversation with the picturesque knight just moments before had prepared her… Or so she thought.

The cobblestone ground under her feet was familiar enough, but her fundamental understanding of how reality ought to be ended there. The architecture and materials used in the buildings around her could have only existed in a city that went painstaking out of its way to preserve a thousand-year-old history, and the people that mulled about them would have been wearing impressive costumes, had it not been for the grime, sweat, and wear and tear of their daily lives, that forced the thought into her mind that this was indeed just that, and not an elaborate stage play.

The language that came out of their mouths was all she was familiar with, and even then, with the alien world she had been forced into, even the way their lips moved seemed foreign in a manner that she could not comprehend.

It was not the feeling a child has when abandoned in the store, and their mind starts to swell as their body begins to turn, their vision blurring by the moment until it erupts in a scream of absolute terror from their lips. Instead, it was that of a dream. A very upsetting dream, lingering somewhere on the border of fever and nightmare. Every movement and every detail only confusing you more as you desperately try to piece it together and make any sort of sense, while anxiety lurks around each corner, like a predator waiting to pounce and instill an absolute dread.

It was the towers that caught her eyes first, and began to anchor her into this new reality, for they loomed far above any other rooftop, and could be seen anywhere within and for miles outside of the city.

There were three of them, spanning from her left to her right, perpendicular to the line that the sun crept through the sky on. The southern tower, the one that Lux had spoken of as being his own residence, was in such a dismal state that even from the great distance at which she stood, she knew it would not stand much longer, that each stone in its foundation was cracked, and each pillar of wood that made such a height possible was rotting away. It was such a stark contrast from the man who had so warmly greeted her inside, that she snapped her eyes away in denial, and turned towards the center of the city, where the second tower lay.

It was larger and taller than the other two by a noticeable amount, as if an arm was extending from the ground, keen on keeping everything inside the walls within its reach. It was in a better condition than the one to the right of it, but she did not linger with it for long, because the tower in the north soon demanded her attention.

The sound of the bell carried itself through the city in such a way that it was impossible for any to not hear it, though the site alone was enough to hold her gaze.

(7pm - so, 7 bell tolls throughout)

It was as different from the first two as they had been from each other, if not more so, for the white face of a massive clock, standing out with such contrast between the blackened stone that held it up, was something she had never expected to see in such a place, and for a moment, it almost made her question if the sick dream she had sunken into was beginning to fade or not.

But, of course, all of that was so long ago, wasn’t it? I wonder, how much time has passed since you first laid eyes on the clock tower? It was your first day, can you remember how many have come and gone? I can, of course. It’s something I keep track of very carefully, because I know you won’t.

So here you are, headed towards that ominous monolith, just like you were before. But this time, with a purpose, right? You’re not aimlessly wandering through the city, no. You understand it a bit more, or well, so you like to think. *chuckle* I hope you didn’t forget that letter you were supposed to bring.

*listener knocks on door, or uses knocker if I can find good sound*

(All La Cardu from here on out - lil easter egg for the readers: Dracula - Lacardu, just re-arrange them letters, haha, clever me oh boy)

*Angry muffled voice in the background* Another?! How many pathetic insolent peasants come knocking each day? The guards are supposed to turn anyone of less importance away, I swear, if I see another - *deep breath in*

*Door opens*

*Speaking quickly* Hello. My apologies, but the master has gone to bed already, and can’t be bothered. I have to advise you to come again in the morning. Thank you for stopping by, and I do hope you have a good evening.

*door slams closed*

*listener begins to walk away after a pause*

*door opens again*

Wait! Excuse me, please, accept my dearest apologies; we have had beggars and merchants knocking all day, I jumped to conclusions, but I shouldn’t have, I see that now. You *are* the woman from the shipwreck, correct?

I thought so; I had been given a description of you, but thought that you had left the town. Had I known otherwise - ah?

*chuckle* Well, of course, I have a description of you. Visitors to Extempore are rare enough in this season, and word spreads quickly, but when a vessel crashes, and a single soul is found left amongst the ruin, well, it spreads all the faster.

But! Obviously, you are no merchant trying to bother Lord Umbra into… well, whatever it is you need, so please, tell me, how may I be of assistance?

A letter for the king? You are aware that the clock tower is not the king’s residence, aren’t you?

Hmmm, well, I suppose Lux would be right in that: short of a response from the king, Umbra is the closest one can get. And! The letter being from Lux himself as well, you should have said so right away. Who am I to deny another lord? May I have the letter?

*laughs* Oh no, I am not Lord Umbra. Come, please, step inside. It’s cold out, and the night is getting darker. I can’t imagine what Umbra would think of me if I left his guest waiting on the doorstep.

*door closes, inside sounds like fire n stuff fade in. haha, Fade*

There, that’s better, isn’t it? Now, where were we? Ah, yes! I’m afraid the answer is no, I am not the man you are looking for. Lord Umbra is away, off to meet with Tenebris in the north. He’s been gone two nights now, so I imagine he has only just arrived, and it may be another week before he has returned and settled. So, in lieu of the lord, allow me to introduce myself: I am La Cardu, but please, you can simply call me Card. I am the retainer of this clock tower, and Umbra’s right hand for all matters.

You may certainly leave the letter in my hands, if you wish. If it would put you at ease, you are also welcome to hold onto it until he returns, and deliver it to Umbra himself, but I assure you that I will also hand it directly to him.

You seem hesitant. Please, I would never hold you here against your wish, nor would I dare pry that paper from your hands. If you would prefer it, I can send for you, wherever it is you are staying, once Lord Umbra has returned, and are free to do as you wish until then. I suppose you are free to do as you wish after that point as well, if you wish to deliver the letter then or not.

Ahh, not hesitation then, but urgency, I understand, my mistake. Well, while I can turn the gears above us faster to move the hour forward, I’m afraid I cannot actually control time itself, and Lord Umbra will return when he does, but… Come, if we are to discuss this, I won’t do it standing in the entranceway, it seems so crude and rushed, for something which, as you have just said, is important.

Here, please, sit. *chuckle* It does not matter where, I know the furniture looks nice, but it is intended to be sat on, not stared at.

Are you thirsty at all? I could grab some water, if you would like. No, just me, then? Well, I suppose that’s normal enough. Now, about that letter. May I see it? Or, would you prefer to open and read it?

Thank you. *letter opening sounds*

Let us see, what do we have here. Addressed to the king, to be taken seriously, though I am not sure what other purpose someone would write to the king. Here we are. “Something is awry.” Something indeed, Lord Lux, and I am glad you agree. The plague, yes, a subject that all are well aware of, but something deeper than that, hmm? A curse?

*pauses, because he notices the listener’s shift*

*chuckle* You didn’t like that word, did you? *laugh* Oh, there is no need to explain, I could tell. You did no like it for the same reason many don’t - myself, and as he goes on to explain, Lux as well, included in that many. It’s foolish, and such things don’t exist. Magic, curses, spells - they’re stories. Superstitions, to be put lightly, but I think Lux knows that. He is a very smart man, after all. He has lived longer than his appearance might let on, and unlike most, I believe that each day of his life has been one of learning, and understanding. The man has been through quite a lot. If anyone does have the right to label something a curse, perhaps it is him.

Are you sure you’re not thirsty? No water? Very well.

Ah yes, and then he mentions Vivet. Fitting, I suppose, that I had just said he has been through a lot. I see that expression, but I’m afraid that is a story for another time, and perhaps one he ought to tell you himself. Going on from there, ahh… Yes. The concerning… *said venomously* Mortality of this city and its civilians. The drownings, the accidents, the… not quite so accidents. Tragic, all of them, and certainly more than that. I myself was beginning to wonder where the king’s response to this all has been.

*deep sigh, and then a pause again*

Are you cold? I am so very sorry, I leave the upper windows open all the time, perhaps it’s all the clothing I wear, but I never seem to remember the draft they can cause. Please, I can see how stiffly you sit, here, take this blanket.

*Almost nervous laughter* Oh no! I don’t need it, I swear. I… have always had poor circulation, it’s just my hands that seem cold, and I hardly feel it. I am fine. The blanket is yours. After we finish this letter, I can close those windows. Perhaps it would be for the better; you never know when something might fly in.

Is that better? If you’d like, I could grab something warm to drink as well. No? I’m jealous, I seem to always be thirsty.

[listener suggests they can get something]

Oh no, I am fine. If my guest will go without, then so will I. Water is rather tasteless as well, I will get something when we are done here.

Hmmmm, pardon the interruption, back to the letter, shall we? Let’s see. Closer to the end now, ah yes. He mentions you, you know. *laugh* Well, perhaps that was a little generous. I should say, he mentions the sole survivor of the shipwreck, which of course can only be one person. I like to think I would have included your name at the least - it is always good to have your name be known by the king, and what a better way than attaching such a title to it as well? Sole survivor of the ship that… Well, a dark subject for you, I’m sure. I’m sorry, I won’t dwell on it.

And then… Oh Lux. *sigh again*

Ah, I am sorry. He just… briefly, I should add, so perhaps I shouldn’t draw that much attention to it. The rest of the letter seems perfectly logical, and he makes very sensible and meaningful requests. But, I cannot help to notice what I interpret to be either his subconscious slipping through, or him trying to subtly draw the king’s attention to… a place I’m afraid I disagree with.

Well, he mentions these rumors, you see. Of the church in the north, in Occisor - ironically enough, likely the very place that Umbra has gone for his meeting. Now, he does not go into detail, but even for a lord to so much as mention these rumors is… painful, perhaps.

*astonished* Why? Well, because… *a deep breath* because you are a newcomer, of course. I apologize, I forget that you likely haven’t heard of such things. It’s for the better, to be honest, and if any were to tell you about these… tales. I would rather it be I, than a drunk in a bar who would sell his soul to convince you.

There have been rumors, as I mentioned, of this church in the north. Specifically, of the cemetery there. Being a cemetery, many children, and perhaps it comes from their parents at bedtime, like to create stories of… fear. Horror stories, little visions to taunt their friend’s nightmares. Ghosts, ghouls, and the dead rising from their graves. They are things anyone has heard, at least once in their life, I am sure. But for some strange reason, this specific cemetery has latched onto the people’s words more than others. So much so it seems, that even Lux…. oh Lux.

It pains me to say, but I would sooner believe the stories of the monsters in the mountains to the south and the woods to the north east, than I would these.

Hmmm? Oh, they are just as foolish, I assure you, but perhaps the howling in the woods at night suggests Caedes has a wolf problem, not necessarily a… creature of other nature *chuckles*. Still, I think I would sooner believe in monsters, than I would… the dead rising.

*another pause as he looks over the letter*

Are you alright? You look…

Well, that is more gracious. I’m sorry to say, but I was going to use the word exhausted. It’s late, isn’t it? It must be. Ironic, that the keeper of the clock tower has lost track of time. I am so very sorry, I didn’t intend to keep you so late. I will have the guards escort you back to where you are staying right away, it will only take me a moment.

*pause again*

You are…. Staying somewhere, aren’t you? I mistook your expression before, so correct me if I am wrong, but this time I do think I am seeing hesitation.

*sigh* Not even a spare room at the barracks? Oh Lux, I hope you are simply overwhelmed and not truly this forgetful and rude. Well, if you are comfortable enough with the thought, then please, allow me to change that. There are plenty of spare bedrooms here in the clock tower. So long as the hourly chime does not disturb you, you may have your pick.

*laughs* Well, of course I will show you them. What? Would I leave you here and simply wish you luck in finding one? Never, follow me.

Hmmm? A question? What is it?

My teeth? *laughter* What ever do you mean? Do you not have sharp teeth too? You do, I can see them there. Sharper? Than what? Than yours? No, please, you’ve piqued my curiosity.

Than usual? Extra sharp? Is that a good thing to have? Hmmm… I’ll rephrase that. Do *you* like that?

*laughs* Did that really catch you so off guard? After a night of making sure you have everything you need, how could I not want to know what else… you want. You are my guest, and I am the retainer of the tower. It is in my job to make sure you have everything you need. I think that look on your face says enough though.

But, I’m not sure you have me convinced. My teeth have been like this for… well, as long as I can remember, honestly, as I am sure is the case for many, unless they remember their first set falling out. That is a distant memory for me though. So what about yours? I was serious, do you not have sharp teeth?

Then what is your fascination? You have said that twice now, “not as sharp”, what do you mean? Show me.

*laugh* I’m not asking to poke around in your mouth, unless that is what you would want. Only to see. If opening your mouth is too strange a request, then… smile for me, that I might see.

Hmmm, a fake smile, of course, little else would come out of doing so on demand, but not as pretty as the genuine one that escaped you earlier. Still, you have made your point, and perhaps those points are not as… large, as my own.

Well, of course it is only a perhaps. They are inside your mouth, there is only so much I can tell about them by staring.

How else? Why are you so keen on this subject? Does it matter that much to you? Ah! I wasn’t quite finished. Because, if it does, the only way I am familiar with my own teeth, that you seem to be lost in, is with how they feel in my own mouth. How my lips cover them, and their shape as my tongue passes them over. *chuckle* The look on your face - a blush, perhaps? The highest of compliments - tells me you know what I am about to say next. But if you must know just how different our fangs are from one another, you will have to let me feel them, properly. And as my guest, it’s only fair I let you do the same, if you wish?

Then step closer, and open your mouth again.

*kissing ensues*

You know that it is very hard to get a feel for yours, if you insist on having your tongue in my mouth? I would never make a demand of a guest, but… Mmmmm, sucking mine in as a response? Well, I will explore as I am able. Though, your lips feel a little too good. If I keep getting distracted, this could take a while.

*kissin for just a lil bit more, before pulling away momentarily*

Ah, wait. This is not right.

*laugh* Oh no, you can feel my bite all night long if that is what you want. I only meant that pinning you to the wall, here in a corridor, when we are so close one of the spare rooms, hardly seems fitting. They might not tell, but I still think it best if we… continue behind a closed door, out of sight from the others in the tower.

What a good girl.

*door closes*

Now, let’s get you a bit more comfortable. Why don’t you lay down?

*voice much closer* Isn’t that better?

*kissing continues*

You reach for my clothes? *chuckle* Let me undress you first, if you would?

Good girl. Though, it’s only right, isn’t it? The guest should not have to do all the work themselves. *between kisses* What a lovely fucking sight too. The way the light dances off your lips… hmmm, maybe I should drag my tongue over the rest of your skin, so that it glistens in the same way. How could I not, when you look this… delicious. Your jaw… this tender spot right before your ear… your neck *obviously more haggard breathing* the way your muscles strain, the veins standing out… it’s so smooth, so pristine, I could just…. *chuckle* well, maybe I’ll have to come back to that. The way your chest heaves shows off your collar bones a little too much. Do you want to feel these teeth that you seem to love so much, dance and nip away at them? Well, what do you say?

Alright, but, I have given you so much, haven’t I? Won’t you give me something in return? *chuckle* Oh no, that’s not where I want your hands. Quite the opposite really, I want you to take them, and slide them between your own legs. Yes, just like that, right here. Perfect, you are such a good listener. Now, *laugh* well, I see I don’t have to tell you to do that part. Are you so eager? Oh no, don’t stop. That’s exactly what I wanted. For both sets of your lips to shine equally. My tongue will find its way between your legs soon enough. Don’t you want to be ready for it?

Good. Then, I will continue, as long as you do. *chuckle* Careful that your pace does not move faster than mine. I love to see you so excited, but move too quickly, and I may have to stop before you get just what you want. Wouldn’t that be a shame?

That’s better. I can feel your hand, slowly making circles around your clit. Don’t you wish it were my tongue instead? It will be… in time. But first, your chest looks too good to ignore. You wouldn’t mind if I… indulge myself for a bit, would you? Your nipples look so hard, I wonder, are they? *chuckle* Perhaps. Mmmm, but if I pinch at them, like this. Let them slide between my fingers, giving just enough pressure to hold them for a moment, before letting them go. Was that a gasp? Did it surprise you? Or did it sting? Not enough I think, let me try again. After all you talked about my teeth, surely, you must like a bit of bite *chuckle* just the right amount of pain, to really make you feel weak? To really make you feel alive? *whispering* To make you feel like a real whore, under my touch?

So let me try that again. I wonder, where does my tongue best feel? Right along your jaw? It’s so tender under here. It’s so tempting *chuckle* but, this time I’ll use both my hands. Do you like the way your tits feel? The way I roll your nipples back and forth between my fingers? Pinching them harder, and harder… starting to pull. I can feel you speeding up with your hand. How vile. *laugh* I love it. Aha, oh? Was that whimper because it hurts? Or because it feels too good? Or perhaps you’ve gotten lost in the feeling, and aren’t sure yourself. Well, I’ll let them go. For now, of course. They won’t stay sore if I leave them be.

Hmmm, but they feel so good in my hands. Don’t you see how I can cup them perfectly? It’s like they were meant to fit there. *chuckle* And now that they’re nice and tender, well, how could I resist? *licking noises* To see how they feel against my tongue? You liked the sensation on your neck enough, is it the same here? Hmmm, maybe not quite, you’re just writhing beneath me, no sounds right now. Something’s missing, isn’t it? Do you really need to feel my teeth that badly? Don’t worry, I won’t bite hard, but they are sharper than my fingers.

There, how is that? You gasp again. I can feel you trying so hard to grind against something. Remember what I said about not going too fast? Hmmm, that’s better. You can’t cum so soon, can you? Unless, of course, you can continue once you have.

But where to next? Don’t whine like that, I know your needy cunt is throbbing for my tongue. But dear thing, don’t you see? I like to watch you in anguish. Not completely suffering, of course. I’m above barbarians like that. But to see the desperation grow in your eyes. The want, the need. I want to see your desire turn and pervert into terrible craving. An obsession. You don’t just wish to feel me. You *have* to. Don’t you? Tell me? *chuckle* Let me kiss you again, and tell me. Ahh, what a good fucking toy you are. *chuckle* But not yet. No, I can still see some restraint. You’re not completely lost.

Maybe, when I am the only thing left on your mind, and the last thought you have is just to feel me, then I’ll push my tongue deep into that greedy mound of yours, and let you have it. To taste you, as you cum over my lips, again, and again.

But for now, I see that there are other parts of your body that haven’t yet felt my mouth. Don’t you want to watch? As I drag my tongue across them? As I sink my teeth into them? Well?

Good girl. Then watch. Watch, and keep that hand moving. I can see you slowing down a little too much. You might get lost in my eyes, but I won’t be forgetting. Part of the fun, is that you are doing it all to yourself. You could stop at any moment. You could speed up, and get that release that you crave. You could, couldn’t you? But you won’t. Because then you won’t get to see my eyes shining back from between your legs. No, you’ll do just as I say.

Plus, with how hot your body is, don’t you need my tongue to cool you down? Hmmm, I suppose I could follow your collar bones out a bit further. Drag my mouth across the length of your shoulder. It may not be sensitive here, but if I move up, or down just a bit… I can see you shiver with every inch. *chuckle* But maybe I should be moving down from your chest. You’ve been good for me, haven’t you? So very good and obedient. Just how I like it. Just how I want you.

So let me slide my tongue between your tits, between your ribs, along your stomach. I can feel it flex and twitch… just like your legs. It’s so smooth and tender though. Just like your waist at either side. The way your body moves, I’m torn between resting my hands here, to hold you down, or moving my mouth in, and *kissing* letting it stay for a while. It might be hard to get a grip, if I lick… and kiss… and nip too much, but that just means I’ll have to hold you harder, to keep my hands in place.

So I will. And let my tongue slide further, past your waist. I can feel you trembling now. Is this where you want me to go? Isn’t it getting dangerously close? I can feel the heat rising between your legs. I can smell it too. You’ve been making quite a mess, are you waiting for me to clean it up? Mmmmm, how could I resist? You’re dripping everywhere, you’re so fucking wet. The way the light reflects off your shine, you look too good to say no to…

But I’m not saying no. I’m just saying wait, toy. Because your legs, shaking as they are, need to come first. The tops of them, here, but more importantly, the inside. No, don’t move your hand. I did say to wait. Keep rubbing, I will move around you. I’m not trying to lick at your needy hole yet, I want the areas around it, where it’s nice and sensitive. Like the muscles that stand out, right in the crevice here. The way you moan says you want that too, isn’t that so? It’s so close to your pretty pussy, you can’t hold in those sounds anymore.

Well, maybe I can get a bit closer, mmmm? After all, with how your hand is moving, your juices are everywhere. I’ll start from the outside, and move my way in. And if you’re a good girl, you’ll still be ready for me when I get there, won’t you?

But I did say that I would have to come back to your nipples, don’t you remember? So let me hold them, while my tongue works. Let me grab them again, and start to pinch… and twist… while my tongue gets to right here… the area where your skin gets just a bit more sensitive. Where it’s softer… stands out a bit more. *chuckle* Right at the start of these delicate lips. Don’t you like it when I lick around the edge? I can hear those same whines. This time though, I know that the pleasure is outweighing the pain you can feel. That’s alright. I can twist you a bit sharper. Pinch a bit harder. Maybe… open my mouth, and wrap my lips around yours, down here. And start to suck in… slowly. *licking, sucking noises, until he lets go*.

*Laugh* Oh? That cry, were you close? Or did it hurt too much? Well, I suppose I’ve tormented you long enough… Or have I?

Yes? I have? Your voice is shaking. Tell me, what do you need? What do you want? Because I’ll tell you. I’m going to wrap my mouth around your cunt. I’m going to start sucking on your clit. Licking around it. And push my tongue inside of you, while I hold you legs apart. And then, you’re going to cum into my mouth, do you understand?

What a good fucking girl. I knew you’d make a perfect toy. Now, obey your master.

*licking starts more*

There we go. It’s alright if your legs give out. That’s why I’m holding them. Move your hand away, I’ll do the work. That’s right, grip at the bed if you must. Mmmmm, you taste so good. The more I get, the more I *really* want to taste you.

That’s it, grind back into my mouth. Aren’t you glad there’s finally something down here that you can grind into? That’s it. Harder. Give me more. Let me tongue in deeper. Let me push it into you. There you go, good girl. Don’t stop. You’re close now, aren’t you? I’m sure the others know that too, with way you cry out. But don’t let that stop you. Go on. Let me give you what you need, so that you can give me what I need. That’s it. Cum for me.

Can you even feel my tongue anymore? Or is your whole cunt just too absorbed in the pleasure? Have you lost track? You can. I want you to. I want you to lose everything. All you need is to cum. All you want anymore is to cum. So do it. Cum for me. Be a good girl. There you go, that’s it. Arch your back, bunch your fists, clench every muscle you have. Let my tongue abuse your clit until you lose your mind. Let your eyes roll back, open your mouth. Tell me what you want. You want to cum. Tell me you want to cum.

That’s it, good girl.

Cum for me.

Cum for me, my toy.

There, good girl, that’s it.

What a good fucking girl.

Breathe, my toy. There you go, breathe, and relax. You are such a good girl. I am here, don’t worry. I can see you shaking, let me hold you. There, wrap around me, relax in my arms. *kisses* Don’t you feel better now, my guest? All of your tensions gone, relaxed and ready for the night?

Mmmm, you are so warm. *chuckle* Close your eyes if you need to, hush. Hmmm, and your neck still looks so smooth. *laugh* Oh? You move it for me? Did you like the way I kissed there? I did promise more, didn’t I? Smooth and tender… and warm. *kisses* The way you hold and press into me… Just let me, move my mouth a little. And wrap it around. Just… for one bite…

*silence*

<Fade> And that is where I will have to stop you, I’m afraid. I don’t like meddling in your progress of our little story here, but sometimes it seems you are so forgetful and… idiotic, that you really would give in to just about anything, wouldn’t you?

Yes, of course he isn’t moving. Nothing is, little witch. I’ve paused the game, stopped the narration, held the page mid-fucking-turn. Do you really care so little?

What do I mean? Don’t you dare play dumb with me. Card is a vampire, you know that! You’ve seen that, you’ve picked up every little fucking clue there was - which initially pleased me to see, I thought “surely, this little thing I follow around can’t be learning, can she?” But maybe the answer is no! You knew, completely, precisely, and yet here you are, in bed, twisting your neck, his teeth pressing into your skin, moments from piercing the surface. Get out from under him or I will throw you myself!

Why am I angry? Jealous?! Me? Do you know how many people I have watched you fuck? I am not as simple as you, human, I could care less about your needs, your lusts. You’ve read, studied, watched, learned, so fucking much about fantasy, and you ask me why? Tell me, witch, what happens when a vampire takes their prey?

You pause, do you remember? You get turned? Maybe, perhaps, on the off chance they think you would be useful enough, who is to say in this case, I can’t read his thoughts. It’s what happens right before that. Do you need me to tell you?

You die.

Every last drop of blood spills from your neck, the crimson rivers of your short-lived life flowing right into his hollow veins, filling him with the power, the life, that he so desires every waking moment of his death, and your vision fades to a blackness that you will never know again.

The book ends there. There are no sequels, there is no prologue. An unmarked grave for an unknown woman, in a land that she will never take another step in.

I have but one thing to say, and I will say it once: don’t you dare die on me.

I won’t ask if you understand, I won’t pause to give you a moment to think. You are leaving, this moment. Do you hear the chime? The toll of tower? You have until that twelveth ring to be out the door, clothes, items, or not. And don’t you think to object or complain. That was the second ring. You need to move, and fast. I am not being cruel, furious as I am. I know you do not know what I am, nor comprehend how I work, but even my power is limited, and right now, I am giving you every last drop that I have, so that he does not take yours. If your speed fails you for as long as I can sustain this moment, you will be at his mercy, and not mine.

So run, little witch. As fast as you can.