Magic demands a price.
One life entered that pool. Two emerged.
But the balance must be found. Somewhere.
The witch observes the blissful couple, locked in passionate embrace, unaware of her scrutiny. A small part of her feels the urge to step in, all dire warnings and grim utterances. Like a proper witch from a story.
A smile creases her stern mouth. A ghost of a smile, the first she’s managed in a long, long time. No, she’ll let them have their moment. Those sweet kisses and caresses. Let them warm each other with lovers’ glow, even as their bodies shiver in the sharp wind.
The balance will come due soon enough. For now, let them forget what they owe.
Besides, it might all come out right in the end. Years of scheming surely couldn’t go to waste. After all this time, she might just manage to save them. Her son. His kingdom. This whole blighted world.
The sweet bride lives. And her gods-gift is strong, stronger even than anticipated.
If the price of her life isn’t too high, then maybe . . . maybe . . .
Deep down, under stone.
Under lakes of fire and rivers of magma.
Down in darkness impenetrably deep, lost in a terrible dream.
The Dragon stirs.
