Fated

Part II

I felt numb as his lips pressed against mine. I would almost dare compare it to an out-of-body experience, but that might be a bit too on the nose.

He didn't linger. Instead, he retreated to inspect me again. His probing gaze becoming increasingly unnerving in our close proximity. "Don't worry dollface, now that you're in my arms, we have all of eternity ahead of us." And then he smiled a genuine smile.

When I didn't answer, that smile faded. "You seem discontent."

"Discontent?" I repeated. "I know you're excited to have me here- which, where is here?" I glanced around us but brought my focus back quickly, determined to stay on track. "But I don't know what the hell you are talking about. You realize I just died right? I mean you're the one who told me... though I may have seen some compelling evidence. How am I supposed to be okay with any of this? Let alone whatever your plans are for me."

"My plans?" Cocking his head to the side, his hair draped with the movement as he eyed me lovingly. "My dearest Kailey, you are my soulmate. My plan is to spend every moment of my future worshiping you. If you let me, I will be your slave."

I could feel my eyes grow wide as his words resonated in me. "Again- not really sure what that means in this context but I would honestly be much more open to talking about my future after tackling the present."

Avaron moved back to study me with his dark gaze. "Of course," he began, "We will get you acclimated immediately. Let me show you around." Standing gracefully, our hands remained joined as he helped me to my unsteady feet. "Do you feel up for walking?"

"Yes," I said, gauging my balance.

"This is our chamber. You may spend your days any way you wish as long as you stay on palace grounds, but I will expect you here when you sleep." Avaron paused, turning to face me. "I ask that you don't make me come looking for you."

"Palace?" I asked incredulously. I wasn't feeling up to tackling the second half of that statement.

Not bothering with an answer, he pushed through the darkness to the far end of the room to reveal a double door. 'Our chamber' was probably the size of my apartment and I caught glimpses of furniture as we moved through the open space but the lack of lighting left a good portion a mystery.

Releasing his grip on me, Avaron pulled the heavy, intricately carved, dark wood inward to reveal a night-lit courtyard that glowed with dazzling colors from an aurora overhead. There was a crispness outside the chambers that was refreshing but nothing like the northern winter landscape I last remembered.

I looked to Avaron with awe and uncertainty. "Where are we?" I asked again.

With a smile, he gestured ahead of us. "Your new home."

"No- that's not going to fly anymore. Where the hell am I?" My voice was starting to raise with annoyance.

"This is 'Infernus.' It is a paradise within the Underworld. Literally meaning 'lower region' it is a place where those of us without mortal existence reside when we aren't visiting the upper realms." With a hand on the small of my back, we moved forward, down a set of steps so elongated they might as well have been a ramp. "Outside our grounds is a wasteland; desolate and unforgiving; but we have everything we need right here."

Behind the beautiful twisting colors of the aurora, the sky was black, but I was beginning to wonder if I should be considering it 'sky' at all,

Vegetation thrived, possibly from the same magic causing the lights.

Magic...

I paused and Avaron halted immediately to check on me. "Kailey?" he questioned.