The Reaper's Trust

Flames and Darkness

Violet awoke and looked to the clock. It read 4:34 AM. Thankful for the remaining night, she sighed and stretched. Though she attempted to settle down and return to sleep, she found it difficult. Her mind intended to stay awake. In her boredom, she levitated the maroon book from the vanity to her bed.

Propping pillows up behind her, she eagerly studied the pages of the book. She read for a while, not gaining much knowledge but at least enjoying herself. Then, in her peripheral vision, she saw a black tendril creeping across the floor toward the bed. "Hm?" She glanced toward it.

A second vine wrapped around her waist from behind, making her jolt. Before she could react further, Senkards said, "He knows."

Violet's face lost what little color it had. "He knows?" She repeated, understanding perfectly.

"He's on his way here."

"He's on his way here!?" She echoed again, dropping the book to the sheets. "I...Senkards, I don't know what to do."

"You're no fool. You know exactly what to do."

Huffing, Violet regained composure. The flower was right. She couldn't let her enemy's rank intimidate her. She had to kill him, plain and simple, and a rich prize awaited her – control of this world. She gulped and nodded.

"We've no time to waste," the plant warned. It tightened its vine around her. "Prepare yourself to usurp this world, my sweet Goddess. Ready your magic."

Violet softly groaned as the tendril squeezed her uncomfortably. She muttered, "How long until he's here, then? How much time do I have?"

Chuckling, Senkards wickedly wrapped a third vine around her neck. "The question is how much time does he have, and he has about twenty minutes."

Wanting to scream in panic, Violet lunged out of bed and stared outside, expecting to see an army of followers. However, nothing was amiss in the sleeping village. Surely there was little chance of the God showing up alone.

"Worry not," Senkards cooed, stroking her back. "Be confident in your power. Your ranks are the same. He has nothing over you. If he hopes to kill the Goddess of Death, he is just as foolish as the rest."

Violet nodded and began calling forth her magic. "That's true," she said, narrowing her eyes at the village below. "I can't let him get in my way. Not when everything is starting to go right."

"Yes," Senkards whispered, "keep your objectives in mind. Make this world your own...siege the king's empire bit by bit..."

Letting out a shuddered breath, Violet muttered, "I will..." She tapped her fingers against the windowsill.

Waiting was agony. Violet couldn't sit still as she prepared for the God to show up. All she wanted was to kill something, for her magic restlessly churned inside. She had no choice but to keep it at the ready; she could be ambushed by her approaching foe or some of his followers at any moment.

Orange light briefly flashed from under the door. A staggering magical presence swept over Violet, making her shudder. There was no question now. She breathed fast but calmed down quickly, remembering Senkards's advice. She had to have faith in her power.

A knock thudded on the door. Violet frowned at the God's boldness. He had warped straight to her bedroom door, but at least he had the courtesy to knock. She stepped forward and grasped the knob. Before attacking, she'd at least hear what he had to say.