Eterna

~Chapter 7~ Payne

I sat down on my bed, pondering what would happen next, when my peace was interrupted by Roxy's curiosity.

"Milady, you know I trust your judgment, you know I do...but why HIM?"

"Something told me. Almost like, a little voice in my heart told me it was destiny." I replied.

"Well, if you say so. How many more?"

"I'm sorry?"

"How many more people do we need before we can face the Darklord?"

"Roxy, I'm planning on facing him on my own."

"But you can't! Well, I mean, you can, but—-"

"Just stop, Roxy. This is my personal bout. Nothing more, nothing less."

There was an unsettling moment of silence. It filled the room and soon made me regret my harsh words.

"We wouldn't be here if this were all up to you. This was destined. At least, I believe it was. Well, I'm going to bed. See you in the morning, Milady."

As much as I wanted to deny it, I knew Roxy was right. I just didn't want to believe in destiny anymore.

Payne stood, looking out of the balcony window while Devon lay fast asleep.

"What's up with you, huh? Not tired?"

Payne shot Reuben an icy glance.

"Didn't I already tell you? I don't sleep."

"Why's that?"

"I'm a Darkling. We don't need to sleep."

"Ah, a Darkling. That explains your ivory skin and silver hair. Especially those crimson eyes. I should've known."

Reuben stood next to Payne who was still staring out the balcony window.

"So—" he started. Payne opened the balcony door and stepped out into the musty air of the city.

"Ok...so you don't want to talk, huh?"

"What gives you that idea?" She said with a solemn look, still staring out into the decrepit courtyard."

"I just want to know more about you. You seem so mysterious and all. Being so mysterious myself, I hardly meet people more interesting than me during my travels."

"Are you always so arrogant?"

"Always."

"Fine. If it makes you leave me at peace- What do you want to know about me, wolf-blood?"

"Well pale-one...that sword. How did you come about a weapon like that?"'

Payne looked out into the grey skies and sighed.

"When I was a loner, it was hard to get a job. Since I'm a Darkling, no one would hire me. So to make money, I would accept bounties everywhere I went, and collect the payout."

"So people called you a monster and didn't want you around unless—-"

"Unless it was to get rid of the real monsters; then they didn't mind having me on their side. Anyway, I came upon a village that was being terrorized by a demon. The owner of the tavern asked me to kill it. They had also gathered talvots from all the villagers in order to pay me.

"They couldn't find anyone to kill this thing?" Reuben asked.

"Apparently not. According to the tavern owner I wasn't the first warrior to come around to try and slay their demon. The creature preyed on lovers. Anyone seen together holding hands, kissing, or showing any signs of affection would be slain. So, I set up bait and waited for the demon."