A Shadow Cast in Paradise

Vengeance must be given before death. His muttered words sent a shiver through my heart. The grip on my head felt void of warmth. “I thought you were dead.” A fleeting smile passed over his cold face. Relief that the chance for revenge wasn’t lost. A sense of victory for not losing his prey. He now possessed sophisticated arrogance and a beautiful cynicism, replacing his blunt innocence and burdensome kindness. Much had changed, and so had she. “As much as you’ve fallen, I’ve risen.” Accustomed to bearing pain, yet unfamiliar with enduring pleasure and desire. “I want to carve it all out. Every memory of that night.” So, she fled. Carrying his child. “You seem to have been doing well.” His dry smile spread as he gazed at her. “Even got a brat I’ve never seen.” Shed’s hand slowly stroked her hair, then stopped at her pale cheek. “Were you happy with that brat?” While I frantically scoured the empire like a madman? The sound of teeth grinding accompanied his long fingers gripping and lifting her head. We were each other’s paradise and the shadow cast upon it.