Page 72 of Snow White

“We need to tell Belle and Eric that I found you,” Snow whispers. “Then you can take me anywhere.”

“They will attempt to take you from me. I will not allow them. They must die.” The voice that comes out isn’t mine. It’s darker and more dangerous, shadows taking over the room, and I know the flames will not be far behind.

Snow gulps audibly. “Azura, no.”

Mine. Mine. Mine.

“They will steal you,” I hiss.

She shakes her head. “They won’t. They know I’m yours. I’m all yours.” She kisses me hard, her hand grazing my breast. “All yours.”

I relax into her hold, that voice resounding in my head retreating. “My love.”

She nips my lips. “Let us say our goodbyes, and then we can go.”

That is probably wise. I don’t know how long I can reign in this monster growing inside me. I link my hand in hers, turning her wrist over. “Your mark is gone.”

Snow’s eyes widen as she looks at her arm. “No! Why is it gone?”

I look down at my bare arm. “Because I died.”

“You died?! But how are you back?!” she demands.

I smile softly. “You. My mother’s power needed to go somewhere, and you burned too bright for it to go into you.”

Snow tears up, kissing me hard again. “I’m your light.”

My light, my apple. The one flourishing fruit on the dark tree.

“All mine.”

I laugh. “Yours.”

She giggles softly, taking my hand and running from the room. I follow and finally see the outline of what is making my powers recoil. Along her spine are seven glowing tattoos. They start at the base of her neck and disappear beneath her gown. They glow so brightly with power that I can see them through her clothes.

Snow drags me into the hall, where a few remaining princesses sit with the king. Snow blinks. “Father, I thought you were away?”

Belle stands abruptly, looking at Snow, and the king’s eyes fill with tears. He stands and rushes to Snow, pulling her into a hug. I take a step back, trying to beat back the growing darkness. It demands that I destroy all who dare take her from me.

“I’m so confused,” Snow whispers.

“It’s...it’s been a week,” Belle says.

“A week?! How?” Snow demands.

“Time moves differently in the forest,” I say, my fingers still linked with Snow’s.

“I’m just glad you’re all right,” the king says. Belle runs over, hugging me tightly. I tighten my hand on Snow’s, ensuring I keep hold of her. I pat Belle awkwardly, the press of the thing inside me becoming more insistent.

“Snow,” I whisper, my voice strained.

Snow pulls back from her father. “Right. You already know Azura. She is,” Snow smiles softly, “my fiance.”

Sweat beads on my brow. It is subtle, but Snow notices and moves back to my side, wrapping her arm around mine.

“I am happy you have found happiness, Snow,” the king says. “You have my blessing.”

She is mine.

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