My Inner Demons Fanfic/Rewrite (Oaksariaha)

Prevaricate: Chapter 4

The crimson sunrise above was dusted with a glittering canopy of opalescent stars, their steady light lending an otherworldly glow to the surroundings. The sound of the air seemed to unravel the fabric of nature, like the collapse of a black hole. A thick, magenta fog hung heavily in the air, enveloping the castle's stone pillars and flora decorations in its misty tendrils.

A stunning lapis-colored cloak glided down the dark hallways, its vibrant hue capturing attention against the shadowy surroundings. Lady Darya moved confidently with the aid of her staff, each step on the lavish rug punctuated by a soft thwack of the cane hitting the ground. She paused before a medium-sized bonfire, still witnessing embers flicker in the aftermath of a recent blaze.

Softly, she settled down beside it, extracting a petite blade and logs from her pocket. With great care, Lady Darya sliced at the wood, methodically carving small stakes, each movement precise and almost soothing. Occasionally, her knife would snag on a particularly hard piece, yet it did not deter her meticulous work. As Lady Darya carved each stake, the wood chips curled and fell into the pit. Once her work was complete, she discarded the finished stakes, their pristine surfaces gleaming in the firelight. The hungry embers eagerly took hold of the fresh fuel, their fervor growing.

With a curious flicker in her lilac eyes, Lady Darya leaned in closer to the flames, allowing the rising ashes to gracefully coil up her throat, their smokey tendrils resembling a serpent descending into a rabbit hole. The acrid stench of charcoal assaulted her senses, becoming unbearable and overwhelming. Her body subconsciously ripped from the harsh fumes, pulling her face away from the source of raging heat.

Though her continuous breathing fit she clumsily reached for the gourd she had brought with her. She let the cleansing water mix with the smoke and ashes in her mouth, desperately trying to stifle the relentless spasms of her cough. With a final, defiant gesture, she spit it down on the still-smoldering fire. Watching as the last of the flames hissed, sputtered, and died out, gasping their final cries of protest before succumbing into oblivion.

A muffled banging echoed through the cold stone corridor, drowning out her concentration. It was the unmistakable sound of commands and orders being barked out in a booming voice. Reluctantly, she rose from her seat, her old bones protesting with each movement. Despite the burning in her throat, she pushed herself forward towards the sources of the noise, her steps slow and labored.

Lady Darya's eyes darted to the room next door, her eyes fixed on the sight of a white horned man and a black horned woman standing outside the threshold. The man, in his mounting fury, slammed his clenched fist into the oak-framed base of the door, causing it to shudder under the force. Meanwhile, the woman stood behind him, her delicate fingers running gently through her golden braid, attempting to maintain composure in the face of her companions escalating anger.

The man's voice growled out, "Ash! You damned idiot, come out here right now!" as he scowled at the wood in front of him, his temples turning a shade of red that complemented his soot colored hair.

"Perhaps, he's asleep?" The woman responded, her forehead creased in a frown as she sat quietly meditating with her back to the doorway.

"At this hour? He has duties to attend to." The man fumed, "He should damn well know his place."

The woman's eyes gleamed and she smirked slyly.

"Well then, my dear, maybe you should remind him..." Her once rigid demeanor softened as she gracefully rose to her feet, her body language shifting to a more playful and inviting stance towards him. He soothingly placed his hands on her arm, his fingers gently caressing the smooth skin before slowly trailing down to her wrist. He lingered there for a moment, then reluctantly let go, his touch leaving a warm lingering feeling.