Embrace the Dark

Chapter 1

In the darkness of the abyss that was her prison, she shivered from the cold, her body bruised and aching from the torture she endured. They clearly intended to kill her, just when exactly that would be it was unclear as they seemed intent on playing with her until they got bored. There would be no one coming to save her so if she wanted out, she'd have to do it herself.

Or, perhaps she could find help from an unexpected source. 

She used the blood that spilled from her own wounds, taking the crimson liquid to draw out a summoning circle on the stone ground before her. Seeing as she did not know the correct spell needed for this, she could only focus on the summoning circle and hope that she actually got someone,  anyone, who could help get her out.

For a brief moment as she focused, her  want for revenge on all who brought her harm seeped through into her thoughts. In that same moment, dark red on the ground began to glow for just a moment before all light was suddenly snuffed out.

As she knelt there, in complete darkness, she could hear rustling that seemed vaguely familiar but off at the same time. In that next moment, she realized what it was. It was the soft shifting of feathers, wings, but on a much larger scale than any wings she had seen before.

Suddenly, a pair of bright yellow eyes were staring at her, mere inches away from her face, though she dare not flinch or scream.

"You're a brave one, aren't you? Pretty little thing."

All she could really see were his glowing eyes and his cheekbones that were visible from the glow.

"Tell me, darling, what is it you want from me? What is it you desire?"

She locked eyes with him as he spoke. "I want to be free from this place and I want the power to bring those who call me monster, to their knees."

A satisfied hum left his lips, his eyes hooded with amusement.

"And what, pray tell, do you have to offer in return?"

She shook her head, knowing she physically had nothing to offer.

"Whatever you want, it's yours, I don't have much at the moment."

It was hard to see, but she could tell he raised an eyebrow at that statement.

"Are you sure? Even if I were to ask for your first born?"

A smile spread across her lips at that, her hand stuck out to shake his, only to feel a very large hand wrap around hers, completely dwarfing it in comparison. There were sharp points at the ends of his fingers, claws or talons most likely.

"Get me out of here and it's a deal."

Barely seconds after they shook hands, she was pulled forward and off the ground. Her body was pressed against something warm and soft. It didn't feel like flesh though, not like fabric or fur either.

With a heavy gust of wind, they pair shot up and out of the hole she had been thrown into. The moment they were out in the night air, massive black wings unfurled, contrasting against the starry sky. The feathers were glossy and iridescent in the moonlight, shining with tones of lavender, dark blue, and hints of green. They were magnificent.

He touched down on the ground, releasing her and allowing her to step back as his liquid gold gaze locked onto her. Now that she could see, she was stunned silent. He was huge, likely well over seven feet tall, with the wingspan of a single wing being well past her own height. Those same iridescent feathers seemed to cover a decent amount of his form as well, from the edges of his face and over his head to the point where it seemed there was no hair, only longer feathers that laid flat against his skull and stuck out at a point at the back of his head. Feathers also covered the sides of his neck and chest, a few longer ones along the back of his biceps. The hands were indeed large and just as she had assumed, ended with sharps talons rather than fingernails. The feet were possibly the most jarring, large, black bird-like feet with even sharper talons than the ones on his hands. Once she was done with her staring, she met his eyes once more.

She had summoned a Raven Demon. Based on his sheer size, a fairly powerful one at that. A wide grin spread across her face as she spoke.

"Thank you for your assistance, it is much appreciated."

The demon held a smug smile on his lips as his feathers puffed up under the slight praise.

"Yes, yes I know. Let's just hope the price of our deal wasn't too much. After all, only time will tell."

She nodded, her eyes flicked up and down his form.

"So, when do we start?"

Confusion flashed in his eyes for a moment before realization crossed his face. "Ah, yes, your mention of revenge-" she cut him off there.

"No, no. When do we start with my end of the deal?"

Confused once more, his wings shifted and twitched with unease, not enjoying being the one confused about his own deal.

"Could you elaborate?"

Her grin only grew wider, stepping toward the massive demon.

"You said you wanted my firstborn."

He nodded, not understanding where this was going.

"Yes..and you agreed?"

She nodded in return and tilted her head to the side as she looked up at the man who was at least a foot and a half taller than her, maybe more.

"Yes, so...when do we start?"

Her grin quickly turned into a smirk as she watched the realization and shock wash over his features before he too broke into a wicked grin. His taloned hand reached up to grip her chin, the sharp talon on his thumb gently swiping along her bottom lip.

"Well you're certainly different, darling. This could be fun."