• Snow whirled in a magnificent pattern outside, creating a beautiful blanket that was seen through out the land. Everything was so white. So pure that it hurt uncovered eyes, through her window it was possible to see the western wing, but the large castle wasn’t able to hide the wondrous site of the mountains that stood behind it. Although it was pleasant to look at it wasn’t very pleasing comfort wise. Too many days without life it seemed could drain anyones ability to love a certain season. Winter being one of them. It was ironic how no one ever tired of spring; the promise of new life and temporary substance always reminding us once you've left this world another would take your place.

    Ayame wanted to feels the sun’s rays. She longed for the smell of fresh flowers and summer dew, where was the warm moisture of morning against her skin and the soft caress of the wind. She had a rather large green house that held numerous plants from around the world and they thrived in the blistering environment. It wasn’t the same, she didn’t walk the castle mush so she was limited at how long she could stay. It was dense that the lordess of the house couldn’t even walk her own home.

    Wrapping a woolen shawl around her more tightly she argued whether adding another log to the fire would build more heat. Deciding not to of course was her plan, she would only feel guilty for those who didn’t have food, warmth, or shelter. Turning she slipped into the dark lavender dress made of silk and velvet. The maid Nell assisted her easily tying and placing the corset around a slim figure. Quickly Nell dressed her hair with crystal stars that glistened against the dark sheen of her hair. Finishing Nell patted her back reassuringly. Ayame stood almost immobile, which was a simple ritual of sorts she always did before a meeting, perhaps to build up festering courage. A part of her was afraid that would discover her secret and hate her for her mistakes, but then another side of her wanted to be caught, released from this hell and released from her sins as well.

    Thoughts swam inhibited as she peered through the thick glass window, its width baring the heat from escaping and the cool chill from entering. The best word to describe her expression? Lost. So lost she no longer believed in redemption. “What can I do?” her words came inaudibly and soft, not expecting Viera to answer. Then again she never did the expected. “Embrace it. Feel the power race through you, this is you lineage. You are the beholder of immense power and you would waste it on petty arrangements.” Although her words held power it was a sweet whisper of encouragement that almost persuaded Ayame she pushed her mentally away and began to build her inner walls once again. Her belief was far stronger then Viera’s memorizing words. “I cannot” adding a curt nod she assured herself of a position she knew she no longer had control of. “ Do as you wish, but I will as well. When my times comes….” This was said louder and menace oozed from her bottomless voice.

    An imagine appeared. A ravaged village filled her mind. Obviously twisted from Viera’s past experience. Bodies scatted the dense area as far as the eyes could see. Vultures pecked at dead corpses and money grubbers searched in the pillage for money or anything they could sell. The scent hit her like a descending boulder the festering scent of rotting flesh, and coppery blood seeped into her pores as if she were the dead. It was stale death. Grimacing inwardly she was cut short when she heard the voice of a small boy. “Please help me” The child pleaded. He begged for his soul that was already draining away so slowly it was barely noticeable. It wasn’t as much of a visual knowing as it was a spiritual knowledge. She could sense what lingered in his small body, but perhaps could still save him… Her bloody hand lifted uncontrollably. She felt the heavy weight of the sword against her wrist and pulling her arm muscles. Tensing. The gaze of the young boy stuck on her, a horror plastered on his too large eyes. It’s hurt her so much it burned. His gaze burned like a flame so hot that she thought her soul would slip from her body. She would never forget as she, as Viera brought down the sword and…

    The vision was cut short by the sound of a booming knock at her door. Ayame still, her lavender dress spilling around her. Terror gripped her tightly as if now she was the young boy destined to die. She forced her throat to comply as she swallowed the large lump in her throat. She heard yet another thunderous knock and a threat as well. “ Dayon” she whispered softly, yet not loud enough for him to hear. Snapping out her hypnotism and adjusting her mask she forced her small slippered feet to glide across the stone cold floor. Saying nothing in the movement she opened the door and focused her dark eyes on his. Feeling the anger but ignoring it she wondered if she weren’t wearing a mask would she feel his hot breath against her skin? A foolish question to ask of course. She bowed her head and mumbled an apology. Pushing past his large figure she made her way to the meeting hall.
    “He angers me” Viera spoke harshly, venom seething through her words. “Let me free, I can dispose of him with one quick flick of my wrist.” She laughed heartily and the sound vibrated in the inner walls of their shared mind. “ Perhaps his guts being spread across the council table would change his tone.” She pondered. A shiver ran down her spine at the imagine. “ No” she whispered heavily. “ He is my fiancé and you know how important our marriage is to the people.” Pleading would never work so she forced it from her mind. Pushing her mentally. Three more days and she would be married to the savage dragon beast Dayon and she would be force to bear him an heir. A stab of regret and recognition pasted through her. That was terrible wrong of her to judge someone who held the law peacefully in place. Who protect her as well as her people. He was a skilled dragon rider. What right did she have? Wasn’t she a monster as well? A killer who had two different sides, good and evil? She threatened the very law he created and yet no one knew. If only she could tell someone, anyone. Maybe they could release her from this hell.

    “Come now. It isn’t all that bad if you embrace it with willful arms.” Viera coaxed.

    Focusing and ignoring her words she pressed on the dark metal door of the meeting hall. “You promised me that you would wait until after the council meeting to…”
    “ Yes. Yes I know. I never break my word. She interrupted mid thought. Nodding in approval inwardly Aya opened the door. Turning she narrowed her eyes on Dayon. “ Promise me when you find her you will strike her down and destroy her without question.” She said it almost as if it was an order even if it was muffled by the mask she wore. Her eyes stormed with a seriousness she had chosen to possess at a very young age.
    “Very funny Nymph.” Viera laughed.
    “ But if anyone is going to be stricken, it will be him, and I will be the one to end his life.” She said this matter- of – factly. A sting of fear ran through her, fear for her people and surprisingly fear for her fiancé.