Wearily, I opened my watery eyes. The sky outside was dark, the room lit by the golden glow of multiple oil lamps. 

“W-what time is it? How long was I asleep?!” I sat up quickly, panicked that I allowed myself to be in a state so vulnerable for so long.

“It was merely an hour or two, my dear.” Callon reclined beside me, propped up on an elbow. Had he been watching me sleep the whole time? “You must be hungry.” 

My stomach growled in response.

“I prepared an assortment of meats and cheeses. Please partake, we have much to discuss.” 

I hastily reached towards the food with grabby hands, “gimme!” I couldn’t afford to pass out again. Callon chuckled softly under his breath, the bed shifting under his weight as he got up to fetch the meal. 

I happily munched on some brie and some delicious mystery meat, while Callon lowered himself next to me once again, magenta eyes glimmering as I scarfed down like 3 days worth of food. A crow cawed at the window. How long has it been since I’d been there? Since I’d failed at lighting the cauldrons? I can barely recall. 

I finished my meal, and Callon took the plate and dropped it next to the bed, the ceramic shattering on the tiled floor. “Don’t worry. The servants will clean that up.” 

I’m not worried. I’m never worried when I’m with Callon. 

He directed my gaze once again towards the portraits of the prophecy that hung across the wall from the bed. “Do you see Archer? Do you feel a sense of rightness in those paintings? There is a reason why you have been chosen, and why all of Fae kind has been awaiting your return.” 

I don’t tear my gaze away from Callon. I can’t stop looking at him, he is too beautiful for words. “You see, dear..” He trails a long finger over my exposed shoulder, “You are not like other girls.”

My chest tightened. I had always known it, but to hear it shoved in my face was a bit unkind. I’ll forgive him though. I’ll always forgive him. “Have you ever wondered why the weak humans are fearful of your beautiful lavender eyes? Instinctively they know you are better than them. More than them. You may have been born a human, but your soul is Fae. And it’s a very powerful soul at that.” 

My mouth hung open in shock, “My soul.. Isn’t human?” I asked dumbly. 

“Of course not, love.” He stated, “In fact, you are the only being who can destroy the barrier between the fae and human realms. You alone can unite the kingdoms, so the fae can once again rule and imprison all of humanity.”

“Imprison humanity…” I repeated. That doesn’t sound so bad. Humans have only ever mistreated me. 

“See, Archie, the humans knew you had a power that needed to be hidden away from me. If you were to truly love another, you would grant that being immeasurable power. A strength that could bring down armies, and bring even the strongest of men to their knees” He pulls his hand from my shoulder, and moves a lock of glorious hair out of his face as his gaze met mine. “You see though, your power has one simple inconvenience. Your love must be given willingly.” 

My heart beat loudly in my chest.

“So what do you say, Archer?” He pauses, “Will you be my bride? Will you love me?”

Slowly, he lowers himself over me, and finally presses his lips against mine. Like a pebble shifting in a dam, I felt the smallest trickle of power hum in my chest. 

Suddenly, my hands are in his hair, and I have him death-gripped on top of me. This is my first kiss, I’m going to savour it! My mind fills with only thoughts of him, his smell, his drawling voice, the feeling of his strong muscular arms, wrapped tight around me. Maybe I could love Callon. It would be easy to love him and live a peaceful life in this beautiful ocean-side palace. I could be here forever with him, loved. 

“CAW!!” A crow cawed again at the window, and I snapped my eyes open. “CAW CAW!!!” 

Suddenly, Callon’s lips and wandering tongue felt too wet, the weight of him on top of me suffocating, the sweaty smell of him overwhelming. “Ew, wait STOP!” I exclaimed, panic filling my chest. Somehow, I managed the strength to push him off of me, my breath heaving with the effort. 

“Is everything okay, my sweet Archer?” His voice drawled sweetly, but something about his demeanor has changed. His black eyes narrowed, and his voice turned to a growl, “Aren’t you ready to finally be loved?” 

Wait, why are his eyes black? He smiled what used to be a charming smile, but was now truly menacing. His teeth were pointed like how I’ve read a shark’s teeth described in one of the many natural history books in mama’s library.

Well shit. I think I’m in trouble. “Um.. well.. You know.. Being someone’s bride is a huge decision! I’ve had a really long and overwhelming day. Could I think about it?” 

He blinked, and his eyes went back to their usual magenta glow, and the teeth I swear were pointed just a second ago look perfectly normal. 

“Of course, my dear. You may think about it in your chambers. GUARDS!” Two guards immediately appeared in the doorway, their faces obstructed by white featureless masks. “Escort Archer to her accommodations.”

Callon got off the bed, and held a hand out for me to follow him. As soon as my feet were on the floor, the guards took me by either arm and forcibly led me towards the door. 

The next thing I know, I’m being pulled through hallway after hallway, up winding flights of stairs, and finally led to a large wooden door, which the guards don’t hesitate to shove me through and lock behind me.

“Let me know when you’re ready to discuss our pending nuptials, my dear.” Callon’s voice penetrated my mind as if he were standing next to me in the room.