The Weight of His Chains

Chapter 18

...

As Aspen walked out of the cave, the atmosphere grew quiet, the only sound the flickering of candles. With a soft moan, Sky sat up, the blanket slipping off his chest, his pale skin marred by bandages, a reminder of what he endured.

As he moved, his long black and blue hair cascaded down his back, like a waterfall of midnight sky and midnight shadows.

He rested his back on the cave wall, his face twisting in a grimace from his whip scars. "Do not worry, Sky, this won't take long." Yuu reassures him with a gentle smile.

Sky's eyes widened as Yuu unfolded the familiar cloak and clothes, the fabric seemed to stir memories, his gaze darted to Yuu, confused.

"Ah, these clothes were loomed by magic, if you were wondering." He chuckled.

With tender care, Yuu slipped the tank top over Sky's head, guiding his arms through the sleeves. The fabric settled and tightened on his pale skin, showcasing the raw muscle beneath his skin.

Yuu helped Sky into his pants, carefully lifting his legs to slide it in place. Sky's long black and blue hair spilled around his shoulders as he leans forward, wincing slightly.

The long, black cloak came last, Sky fastened the robe together with shaky hands. His face remained still, his emotions hidden. He neither spoke nor looked up, not even a flick of a smile.

Yuu took a step back, admiring his final look. "There you go, young Faun. Your privacy is now kept safe under these garments."

Skys eyes flickered, his droopy faun ear twitching. His words hung in the air, and proved hollow.

Sky's voice cut through the silence, his voice low and cold. "Do you know magic?" He asked.

Yuu's lips curved in a smile. "Yes, I have mastered the paths of spellworking, I–"

Sky's words sliced through his, sharp and urgent. "Could you erase someone's memories?"

Yuu's expression faltered, confusion etched on his face. "Erase memories?" He repeated, his voice laced with caution.

The cloak he wore fell over his muscular build, the deep black a stark contrast to his pale skin. His eyes narrowed, glowing yellow in the dim candlelight, the glow piercing through the bandage covering his eye slightly. The horn stumps protruded from his head, a miserable reminder of his lost Faun heritage, and the cruelty of the removed horns.

In this moment, Sky appeared eerily perfect, his features chiseled from marble. His sternness was unnerving, a gaze so still that it commanded attention.

Yuu searched for clarity through his words. "And what do you seek from this, Sky?" He whispers, bending down to sit across from him.

Sky's response was immediate, and ever so unsettling. "Erase Aspen's memories and I'll spare your life."

"If you don't," he growled, his eyes narrowed into slits. "I'll rip your heart out." His voice, once normal, suddenly laced into a monstrous growl, making Yuu jump.

The threat hung in the air, sweat rolled down Yuu's bald head as he had to make a tough choice.

"I will not tamper with the fabric of another's mind. That is simply too dangerous." Yuu stuttered, his eyebrows curling. "Why do this, Sky?"

"Why are you a monster to her?"

Sky's eyes narrowed, blazing with fury. The air around them seemed to chill, a malevolent choice between life or death. His ears laid flat against his skull, his skin seemed to pale further, his sharp teeth bare and glinting in the candlelight.