Her hatred burned within her, the intense pain surged like a slithering snake, constricting her entire body. A gasp escaped her lips as she looked down at the glowing mark on her wrist.
A dragon, a magnificent mix of purple and red, was glaring back at her, its form wrapped in flames that looked both fierce and majestic. But now, the same mark was burning her skin, turning it red and raw, sending waves of excruciating pain coursing through her.
She couldn't help but scream, her eyes filling with tears as memories of him flooded her mind. The guilt was overwhelming-she was the cause of his suffering.
She knew he was in agony; the mark wouldn't burn like this otherwise. Those wretched people hadn't even left him alone, constantly torturing him. The pain she felt was but a fraction of his torment, only one percent of his suffering.
"I'm sorry," she murmured through choked sobs. "I'm really sorry." Her voice was a broken whisper, filled with remorse. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't be in this condition.
He, a proud and powerful existence, should not be chained by mere mortals who were no better than the monsters of the dark abyss.
Isabel clutched her wrist, the mark's searing pain a cruel reminder of her failure. Each throb felt like a stab to her heart, amplifying her anguish and guilt.
"They think they can break us," she muttered, her voice hardening with resolve. "But they will learn the true meaning of pain." Her eyes, burning with a mix of sorrow and fury, pierced through the void.
"I will make them pay for every moment of your suffering. For every tear we've shed."
With each passing moment, Isabel's anger grew, intertwining with her pain and transforming into a fierce, unyielding determination.
The dragon's mark continued to burn, a relentless reminder of the stakes, but also a symbol of the bond they shared-a bond that could not be broken.
Isabel screamed as the pain tore through her, an unbearable torrent of agony and guilt. She couldn't stand it anymore; it was too much. The weight of her remorse gnawed at her soul, each throb of the burning mark on her wrist amplifying her torment.
Desperate, she started banging her head against the cold, unyielding wall, hoping that her death might release him from their bond, that it might set him free.
Blood dripped from her head, her vision blurring as her eyes grew more bloodshot. She collapsed to the ground, her body wracked with sobs, regret suffocating her.
The darkness began to envelope her again, a familiar, suffocating embrace. As she lay there, her consciousness slipping away, a small part of her hoped for an end to this relentless suffering.
In the depths of her despair, something changed. The darkness that had become her constant companion seemed to shift, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, a flicker of light appeared.
She dreamed of her childhood. Maybe death had come to her doorstep to claim her life; that's why she was seeing everything. But still, she didn't want to wake up from this dream-like state.
~~~
"PAST"
A young cheerful voice resounded in a small house built in the vast expanse of fields filled with flowers. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, and the sky above was a clear, brilliant blue.
"Grandma, look what I caught from the flowers!" the girl shouted excitedly as she ran toward the cozy cottage. Her laughter was like a melody, bringing life to the tranquil surroundings.
The girl burst through the door, her eyes sparkling with joy. She held out her hands to reveal a small, delicate creature. It was a beautiful beast with dazzling
feathers on its back, shimmering in the sunlight. The little creature looked up at her with wide, curious eyes, a mix of pastel blues and greens.
"Well, aren't you a lucky girl!" her grandmother said with a warm smile, her weathered face lighting up with pride. She knelt down to take a closer look at the tiny beast. "That's a Phex, a rare and magical creature known to bring good fortune."
The girl beamed, her face radiant with excitement. "Can we keep him, Grandma? Please?"
Her grandmother chuckled softly. "If he chooses to stay, then he's welcome here. But remember, dear Isabel, creatures like these are free spirits. They come and go as they please."
Isabel nodded solemnly, her young mind taking in the wisdom of her grandmother's words. She gently stroked the Phex's feathers, feeling a warm, comforting energy emanating from the small beast.
She eagerly leads the little creature to her room. Bursting through the door, she couldn't contain her excitement. "Come on, Phex, I want to show you everything!"
Her room was a delightful chaos of childhood treasures—stuffed animals, wooden toys, colorful drawings pinned to the walls, and books scattered about. Isabel set the Phex down gently on her bed, its iridescent feathers gleaming in the soft light filtering through the window.
"These are my favorite toys," Isabel announced, her voice filled with pride as she started showing Phex one by one. She held up a carved wooden dragon, a stuffed griffin, and a music box that played a sweet, tinkling tune.
Phex watched with wide, curious eyes, its tiny wings fluttering in excitement.
"And this," Isabel said, picking up a small, well-worn teddy bear, "is Mr. Cuddles. He's very special to me."
She placed Mr. Cuddles in front of Phex, then gathered all her toys around the small creature in a circle. Isabel stood back, her hands on her hips, a look of determination on her face.
"Now, Phex," she said with a hint of playfulness, "you have all my toys. That means you have to stay here with me. It's only fair."
The Phex chirped softly, tilting its head as if considering her demand. Then, with a flutter of its wings, it nestled among the toys, clearly at ease and happy.
Isabel beamed, her heart swelling with joy. "See, Grandma?" she called out, her voice carrying down the hallway. "Phex is staying with us! He's our new family member!"
Her grandmother appeared in the doorway, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It looks like he's made himself right at home," she said, giving Isabel a loving pat on the head. "But remember, dear, even if Phex decides to leave someday, the memories you make together will always stay with you."
As Isabel and Phex continued to play in her room, their laughter and chatter filled the house with a warm, joyous atmosphere.
The front door creaked open, and a tall, weathered man stepped inside, wiping the sweat from his brow. He carried a small, wrapped package under his arm.