Page 1 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Prologue: Shadows Of Desire

~SPARROW~

I’m here again…

The veil between worlds shimmered before me, a gossamer curtain of twilight and mist.

My heart pounded — a frantic rhythm that echoed in my ears as I stood on the precipice of madness. This was the moment of choice – the last chance to turn back, to wake up, to return to the harsh light of day and the crushing weight of reality.

But I couldn't.

Not again.

Not when he was waiting for me.

With a deep breath, I stepped through the veil.

The cool caress of shadow enveloped me, and I felt the change ripple through my body. In this realm, I was more than the broken, battered thing I was in the waking world.

I wasn’t an outcast, fighting every chance to prove my existence versus the selfish bastards who use and abuse what I offer at the grand table of survival.

Here, I was desired.

Powerful. Free.

The obsidian palace loomed before me, its spires piercing the starless sky.

Twisted vines of midnight roses climbed the walls, their petals as dark as sin and just as tempting. The air was thick with the heady scent of night-blooming flowers and something darker – the musk of ancient, primal power that made my skin tingle and my pulse quicken.

Yet, there was a glow of sweet tenderness as glowing creatures like butterflies flitted away, buzzing whimsical chimes of life that made the surrounding plants further blossom and glow in enchanting shades.

As I approached the grand doors, they swung open silently, inviting me into the depths of this beautiful nightmare. The halls were lit by floating orbs of soft, purple light that cast everything in an otherworldly glow. My bare feet made no sound on the polished black marble floor as I made my way towards the throne room.

I could feel him before I saw him.

His presence washed over me like a physical force, igniting every nerve ending and sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine. Never could I imagine such a sensation. How one’s presence can wash over you before laying sight on their mesmerizing figure.

When I entered the vast chamber, my breath caught in my throat.

He sat upon his throne of twisted bone and shadow, every inch the king of this dark realm. His skin was the color of midnight, marked with swirling patterns that seemed to move in the flickering light, and yet there were hints of human traits that didn’t ignite immediate fear through me.

The chiseled beauty of carved muscle matched his heightened broad physique further emphasizing his masculinity and strength. He’s every woman’s dream — and many men’snightmare just from his massive size — but to me, he was so perfectly enchanting.

Massive horns curved from his temples, adorned with delicate chains of silver and onyx. But it was his eyes that captivated me most – molten gold that burned with an intensity that both thrilled and terrified me.

"Welcome back, my sweet mortal," he purred, his voice like velvet over steel. "I've been waiting for you."

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice.

"My king," I whispered, the words both a greeting and a surrender.

He rose from his throne with fluid grace, descending the steps towards me.

Each movement was predatory, reminding me that despite his beauty, he was far from human. He was a walking threat of catastrophe, and one wrong move could prove to be my end, but I couldn’t walk away. I wouldn’t dare run when he was the way out of all this madness plaguing me.

My monster. My salvation.

"Tell me, little one,"he said, circling me slowly."What brings you back to my realm night after night? What delicious sins do you seek in the shadows?"

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