Dance of the Damned

Sixteen

I found myself sitting in the very same room Zeddicus had led me to on my first day here, just a little over two weeks ago. Nailah had explained that I would lie on the bed and be rendered unconscious while she attached my powers, similar to how they were first bound, and I would remain in that state for twenty-four hours. I had countless questions swirling in my mind, but time was not on my side. So, obediently, I followed her instructions and slipped into a deep slumber, devoid of any dreams.

Upon awakening, I found Zeddicus seated in a black cushioned chair by my bedside. Despite just regaining consciousness, I still felt an unusual grogginess, as if I hadn't fully shaken off the effects of sleep.

"Did it work?" I whispered softly. "Am I...?" I couldn't bring myself to complete the sentence, fearing that I might reveal my true nature to him, in case his assumptions were mistaken.

"Yes. You are once again a Grim," he replied, his voice sounding gentler than what I had grown accustomed to. I attempted to sit up but was met with a pounding headache, causing me to involuntarily wince.

"The headache should subside in a few moments," he explained.

"How long have you known what I am?" I inquired, leaning against the pillow and squeezing my eyes shut, trying to disregard the throbbing pain in my head.

"From the first time I witnessed you singing in the ballroom in Benevol," he answered. There was no need for further elaboration. He understood the essence of my question.

"How?" I didn't need to clarify; he knew exactly what I meant.

"Grims possess the ability to sense one another," he simply replied, his voice lowering in volume. That instantly captured my attention, compelling me to raise my gaze to meet his.

"You... You are a Grim?" I questioned. "How is that possible?"

"I was born before Grims were declared illegal," he disclosed, a statement implying an age of at least three hundred years. I chose not to delve into the specifics of his age. "We are a rarity, but occasionally I encounter someone like us and bring them here, training them in honing and controlling their gifts. When we first met, I wasn't entirely certain, but I could sense it. I was unaware that your powers were bound."

"You killed Mira," I uttered slowly, maintaining a steady gaze with him. There was no justification that could atone for such an act. Zeddicus, the King of Death, a Grim? And he seeks out and trains other Grims? If this revelation held true, it would make sense why Arter wouldn't have surely been aware of it. No one dared venture into the Dark Kingdoms, particularly the Kingdom of Death.

He didn't conceal the flicker of hurt that flashed in his eyes, though it vanished as swiftly as it had appeared. "I know. I'm sorry," he confessed, words I never expected to hear from him. "I didn't want to. Kalyani noticed the special attention I was showing the two of you, sending down food and fine wine. She suspected that I had developed favoritism for one of you and kept a watchful eye to figure out which one. I believed that you would use your powers to intervene, to stop her, but that's when I realized that your abilities must have been bound. If I had hesitated, Kalyani would have taken both of your lives. Now, she suspects I rejected her because I am involved with you and she wants to retaliate."

I struggled to process this information. It now made sense why I was not treated as a prisoner within these walls, aside from the constant presence of Nyotitis shadowing my every move and the perpetually locked door. It was far better than enduring the icy isolation and constant hunger of a desolate cell.

"That's insane. I barely know you, and I can't say that I even like you, no offense intended," I interjected hastily, wanting to make my stance clear. "But how does she plan to retaliate?"

"The last time something like this occurred, just over a hundred years ago, she managed to infiltrate and slaughter my entire private council while they slept, with the exception of my sister, cousin, and brother-in-law," he recounted, his expression growing dark as he spoke of it. I couldn't even fathom the horror.

"Why don't you just eradicate her? You know, kill her? You possess the larger kingdom. Surely, you have the upper hand," I inquired, sympathizing with his immense loss.

"It's not that simple. There are other forces at play, forces that are even beyond my understanding. Do you think I lie with her because the pleasure I get from it?" he retorted, his face contorting with disgust. "No, absolutely not. I hate her even more than you hate me. I do it to gather information. Her forces outnumber mine, and yet, I have no knowledge of their origins. They do not come from the Four Kingdoms; these creatures are... different."

"There is nothing in The Beyond," I stated, referring to the world outside the confines of the Four Kingdoms. We reside on a vast mainland encircled by treacherous oceans, beyond which lies only death and radiation. This fact was ingrained in all of us generation after generation.

"Do you know the price... when the witch bound your abilities?" he inquired softly, changing the subject and causing my entire body to tense. I was well aware of the cost. I willingly paid for it without hesitation.

"Yes, I am aware of the cost," I responded calmly and composedly.

"I just wanted to make sure you understood," he replied in that same hushed tone, avoiding eye contact.

"I never wanted children in any case. I am content with never having them," I justified my choice. "At that moment, it seemed like the best course of action." He didn't reply so I decided to ask what had been on my mind. "Does that mean I'm not your prisoner?"

"Only if you try to leave." He grinned at me slightly but it did not reach his eyes. It was an effort on my part not to shudder.

I observed him closely and noticed that he was wearing the same attire as yesterday - a combination of dark red and black silk suit. However, his clothes appeared slightly rumpled, and his usually sleek and refined dark hair was tangled in knots. "Did you spend the night here?" I inquired, more than happy to change the subject.

"Yes. I strongly believe that Kalyani will directly target you. She thinks that I rejected her because of you. If I could catch her in the act, there might be a chance to put a stop to her. But she never showed up."

Out of sheer curiosity, I asked, "Why did you reject her?"

"Because it's leading us nowhere. I don't trust her, and she doesn't trust me. I have already gathered as much information as possible. I didn't anticipate her assertiveness and audacity when she confronted me though," he replied, running his hand through his disheveled hair and letting out a deep sigh. "We have been preparing for this for centuries, and now it's time for you to train with us. We need every Grim we can get."

Cautiously, I inquired, "Who is 'us'?"

This time, he flashed a grin at me and said, "The other Grims, of course. Are you ready to leave? We cannot afford to waste any more time after your little nap, love."

"Don't call me that," I said, rolling my eyes as I got off the bed and he wrapped his arm around my waist. Together, we vanished into the mist and shadows.