The Contract

The sun set, and the moon rose, again and again. The days were thining me out, my bones and skin fused into one. It was hardly how I'd envisioned my death, it was ironic even, me starving?

I always assumed the exact opposite would happen.

But here I was, locked in chains, surrounded by rot and gravel and observed through metal bars as if I were some war criminal. It was a rotation of women, in black, or red or some variation of green but below their suit of iron their malice was the same.

There was just two today opposed to the usual four.

'You look miserable. Don't tell me you've already given up.'

"What do you care."

The creature chuckled, it was more so an annoying little cry. "What if I told you I will help you, that you'll escape this dark place."

Something in me bubbled for a moment, only for a moment.

"Why?" I asked. "Why would you help me?"

"Because I feel sorry for you," it said, "I see the pain in your eyes. Every day they torture you for something you aren't. Aren't you sick of it? Don't you want me to help?"

His words swept in my ears, sweet and gentle. But I could feel the emptiness in them, probably nothing but hallow promises presented to people who'd lost heart. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd just flown over from the other side of the stone, and the line of other cells spewing the same nonsense.

"What do you want in exchange?"

It's tone changed. 'You're a facetious one, aren't you. Well there's no real need to hide it, it's a contract I'm after.'

"What's this contract going to do."

'Depends on your state, but don't worry your little heart too much, because you can see me that should be enough for at least the Great Eye after the merging.'

I pull my hands up. "I mean for you, what's in it for you?"

There was a short pause. 'I can't tell you that.'

It was the look in his beady eyes that made chills go down my spine. Suddenly, pools of black air seeped through the cracks, or was it coming from him?

I took a step back.

'Pardon me. I got a bit excited, it's been a long time since I've thought of a contract. Those crocked ugly princesses and their rules. No matter now, I'll leave you to make your choice.'

And with that, it was gone, leaving me alone in the dark, empty dungeon.