Trail of Ashes

| 6 |

I stare at the open air that Mortem disappeared from. I let his offer sink in. Death, a magical immortal being has asked me to let him take care of me. It's not what I was expecting. I thought he was going to take me and my body was going to die. I was preparing for it. But what he asked is confusing for me. I am nothing and he is everything. I suppose he didn't ask me to be his lover. Maybe he wants a human companion or a side kick. Maybe every so many years he's required to get a new human help mate to assist him with his deathly duties.

I decide I have too many unanswered questions and I cannot get any answers while staring into empty space. I decide to walk through the house. Not to be nosey but It's always good to know my surroundings in case of emergencies. I never know if I will have to run and hide. Finding building exits is a must.

What I find surprises me. Every room is empty except for the ones I have been in. There are a total of four bedrooms. Each is smaller than the one I woke up in and each one is clean but empty. There are three bathrooms in the house. Also empty. Cupboards are bare. I suppose Mortem must have done his magic trick and made furniture appear in a hurry. He did just say he recently bought the house.

After having successfully found every exit in the house and venturing into every room, I sit on the couch. I stay there for close to an hour I would guess. I curl up and stare out the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. I watch the birds fly and the trees sway in the breeze. The snow capped mountains stare back at me in the distance. It's breathtaking.

I let out a startled scream when Mortem appears right in front of me.

"I'm sorry for that. I forget how strange that must be for you." I put my hand over my rapid beating heart and catch my breath.

"It's ok. Maybe one day I can get used to it." Mortem nods and stares at me without saying a word. He's waiting for my answer. I decide not to stall anymore.

"How often do you take a human companion?" I ask sounding more confidence than I feel. Mortem gives me a puzzled look before he answers.

"I do not take human companions like this. I have been with many women when I want them. But I take them once and disappear. What I am asking you is not that." I interrupt him.

"I didn't think you were asking me to be your lover or anything. I get it. You need someone to help you with work." I say with regret.

"Henley. You do not understand my request. You don't see yourself as I see you. You are beautiful to me and I want you to be mine and only mine." I can't stop the shock that spreads across my face.

"Mortem. I'm broken and damaged. You've seen my scars and imperfections. I will grow old and wrinkle. I'm nothing. I have nothing to offer you." Tears are streaming down my cheeks now and I let them. Mortem moves in front of me and wraps his arms around my waist. His heat envelopes me and his stare is intense. He rests his large hands on my lower back. I strain my neck to meet his eyes.

"There are perks that come with my position. Once I claim you, you will see things differently. You will stop aging while you are mine." His full lips turns up in a smile again. My heart starts fluttering. His smile fades too soon.

"Henley will you be my lover and let me claim you as mine? Will you be with me and only me?" His face becomes so serious as he anticipates my answer. I'm certain I look like a tomato with the embarrassment I feel. However, when the most handsome being in existence asks me to be his lover, how can I turn him down? There are many things I don't understand but my attraction to Mortem is undeniable. Although I don't feel adequate for him. He could be tricking me or lying but I decide I have nothing to lose. Time to make a deal with the devil. The tears continue to fall as my single answer comes out in a whisper.