The Weight of His Chains

Chapter 6

I slowly get up, my legs trembling beneath me. I take a step forward, and my boot lands in the puddle of Rainers blood and feathers. I cry out, my eyes screwed shut, the pain and grief stabbing me in the heart.

I force myself to move, my eyes fixed on the little marble as I descend down another staircase hidden in pitch black darkness. The darkness seems to swallow me whole, but Rainers tiny marble keeps me company, a warm, gentle light pulses from it.

Though in the distance, I see a light. My heart skips a beat as I realize it's Rainer, coming back to me. I start to run, desperation pumping in my legs. I trip and fall, skinning my knee, but I push through. As I get closer, I realize it's just a candle, burning at the base of another stone door.

I sob, wishing he was here, wishing they were both here.

I cry, thinking maybe, just maybe, I've lost both Sky and Rainer to this stupid Pyramid.

"What if I lost them both?" I whisper to myself. "What if it's all my fault?"

I'm lost, completely alone, getting eaten alive by my sorrow.

"What if Sky is already dead?" I stutter, my hand trembling on my face as I sob beside the candle.

But then, a voice responds, "I am." My eyes narrow, recognizing the smooth, low voice.

I turn around, my heart racing, and that's where I see him, Sky, standing behind me, his tall build looming in the candlelight. His long black cloak hangs behind him like a dark cloud, his serious face etched with concern. His yellow eyes seem to bore into my soul, his pale skin seems almost ethereal in the candlelight. The scar on his lip looks the same, a thin and slender scar that fades into his almost dead skin. His black and blue hair reaches his elbows, with some tied to a messy bun, revealing his handsome features.

It's really him. Sky is standing right behind me.

I'm shocked, my mind reeling how he could be alive.

He sits down beside me, his black cloak flowing behind him like a dark cloud. He takes my hand in his, his fingers wrapping around mine, sending a jolt of electricity down my spine. His nails are painted black, a stark contrast to his pale skin.

I stare at him, my eyes drinking the sight of him. I'm still trying to process what's happening, I don't know what's fantasy and what's real anymore.

His hand is cold to the touch, his pale skin dull and colorless. "Your hand is so cold," I whisper, smiling at him.

He looks down at our intertwined hands, a sadness resides in his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't warm you this time."

His grip tightens on my hand, a reminder under that human exterior there is a demon.

"I'm dead." He says, his voice cold and low. "I've been dead for a while now."

I try to process his words, my heart sinking into a sea of despair. I begin to sob, unable to hold back my tears.

Sky stares at me, his expression unsure, like he doesn't know what to do. "I'm not good at making others feel better," He says, his voice softening slightly. "I don't know how to be gentle."

He pats my hand, making me look up at him. His yellow eyes glow in the dim light, he smiles, with one so charming it makes me cry harder.

"You're so close, Aspen." He says, his voice low and urgent. "Just one more level."

"What's the point?" I ask, my body trembling. "You're dead."

Skys expression falters, and for a moment I see a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "You know death can't stop me."