Train

Darkness surrounds me.

I lie flat against a hard stone surface, my arms and legs bound tightly. Panicked, my gaze darts around the cavern. Gray stalactites hang above, gently dripping icy water into dark pools upon the ground. The surface of the liquid reflects light from torches held by onlookers. I scan the faces of the crowd. They all wear harsh and unforgiving expressions, their features exotic and foreign. Upon their bodies, dark black robes hang heavily, strange gold runes sewn into the fabric.

To my side, a sheer stone wall stands tall. A bizarre symbol is painted upon its surface in a deep crimson substance…blood?! Anxiety percolates into my body as I look at the arcane rune, a feeling of dread washing over me. What is this?!

A familiar face steps forth from the crowd—Soren. He too wears one of those shadowy robes, the hue contrasting strikingly with his snowy hair. The look on his face is much softer than that of the others…it conveys a deep, soothing affection.

“Are you ready?” He bends down, placing his lips close to my ear. “What will you sacrifice to please me? What will you surrender for my cause?”

He pulls a long silver knife from within his robe. The blade glitters menacingly in the dim firelight. I don’t know how I got here, but I somehow know what this place is…this is where the incubi are sealed. This is where a powerful magic lies, waiting to be set free by Soren and his army of sorcerers.

He places the blade to my neck, the cold metal sending a shiver down my spine. I look into those large green eyes, that comforting, intoxicating look still present. I will give him my life…I am ready.

My eyes burst open. I sit upright in bed, drenched in sweat.

Just a dream.

I frantically glance around the palace bedchamber, but there is no sign of Soren. He must have already left for the morning…no doubt he has much to attend to after the party last night. The noblemen of Sa’arre are moving into the palace, making this citadel their permanent home. Close to the presence of the incubi, they will be fed a healthy diet of Soren’s brand of forbidden pleasure. It will be a life of happiness and indulgence…and servitude.

And I get to be a part of it. His most loyal servant. His favorite.

I feel butterflies in my stomach. How is it that I once desired to be a successful merchant? To advance and enrich myself? The idea feels laughable now. There is no greater happiness than giving it all up. Giving it to a god and prostrating myself before his superiority…such acts give life purpose…they allow me to be a part of something much larger than myself.

I rise from bed and draw a bath, washing myself before tidying my hair and getting dressed. I want to look beautiful for him today. I want him to feel proud in my presence…proud of owning me.

A strange sound wafts into my bedchamber from the hallway outside. It sounds like…laughter? Yes, that’s definitely it. It sounds almost like a party. How strange—it is far too early for that, is it not?

I move to the door, unlocking it and stepping into the palace halls. A procession of nobles walks together, chatting and joking amongst themselves. They all flow in the same direction, moving toward the loud sound of music and laughter. I join the convoy, my curiosity flaring up as the sound becomes louder. As we move, more elegantly dressed men leave their bedchambers, joining the crowd. There is a strange atmosphere in the air…one of idleness and frivolity.