Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

Soul Bound AU IV

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1863

AUTHOR

A bird flew down from its perch in a tree, enchanted. A voice sang in the night, calling forth a companion. The little bluebird landed on her extended finger, happily resting. The gentle sound had the animal hop its way to her neck, cuddling itself closer.

"I didn't know you could sing."

"Few people do," she replied. The bird cooed as she ruffled its feathers with her fingers. "Care to dance with me?"

"What?"

"I've been repeating myself a lot lately."

"No!—I mean, of course. Of course I'll dance with you." Philippos was so shocked, he took a moment to move. He initially held her hand, keeping the other high on her back. To his surprise, she slipped her hands from his and lightly draped both arms around his neck. Slow, as if waiting for her to lash out, he placed both hands on her waist and gently pulled her forward. His fingers pressed into her bare back, smooth, cool under his warm hands.

"You have a strong grip," she noted. He loosened his hold, not wanting to hurt her. "Sorry."

"Nervous?" she asked.

"Never," he replied confidently. Yet, beyond the surface, he was confused. He wanted to ask her what was happening, but he feared the dream would end. Sybilla had been peacefully humming, eyes closed as they swayed. He felt light, listening to her voice. As she opened her eyes, a fire sparked in his core. A hand slid into his hair, an invitation. He leaned in, ever so slightly, wondering if this was her wish.

"Sybilla, if you do this, I will never let you go."

Her eyes flickered to his lips. His heart was shaking.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "I won't either."

The first touch had his mind numbed. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. She was everything he ever wanted to possess, and the way she kissed him had his excitement growing without restraint. Everything outside that moment didn't matter. The party, the obnoxious music, nothing registered past her strawberry lips.

So soft and...and swee...t......

The thoughts grew murky, like a thick fog had descended. His vision blurred everything outside the centre. Then nothing; blank.

Sybilla pulled away, ichor flowing through her veins. She watched him fall to his knees. The glow in his eyes was gone, glazed over. Still, he hadn't looked away from her, waiting. With a gentle smile, she exhaled a blue mist. It rolled over itself, gathering into a small glowing flame.

"I'm willing to return this to you," she said. "Only if you'll accept to serve me."

A faint nod.

"Choose carefully, Philippos," she advised. "You are handing more than your loyalty to me. You're signing away your life. Although I doubt that concerns you much."

Despite his dazed state, he held out his hand to her. His true desire came through unrestrained. With the blade hidden beneath her dress, she slit his palm. Not even a flinch. She did the same with hers and pressed their palms together.

"You will be my vassal," she stated. "You must obey me and only me. Everything you are, and everything you possess, is mine. Understood?"

Another faint nod.

"And me?" Someone came into the light; someone she had been eagerly waiting to see.

"You meddle too much with my plans," Sybilla smirked. Apollo had been there since the kiss, and she could feel his jealousy burning through their bond. "Besides, you already have me, and you don't need anyone else. Unless you want to die by my hand."