The Relic
Eternal, immortal love.
She knew me by another name when the world was young, a name that strikes terror into the hearts of man and monster alike. My wife—the jewel of my kingdom, cossetted in her gardens as a girl and raised to be the perfect queen—dared die in my arms. But not until I drew from her an oath that she would be reborn. For millennia I have walked in the sun and I have ruled the darkness, waiting. Some might even say I have gone mad in my longing for what fate dared steal from my grasp. Until I hear her song and find a treasure buried and forgotten. My Pearl. Reborn, delicate, damaged, and afraid. I, who love her above all others, she does not recognize. My bride cowers as if I'd bring her harm. So she must be wooed, healed, fed, lavished with every pleasure the modern world might offer. She must learn that real love is everlasting, and though I may look every bit the monster, for her, I will strive to be a perfect angel.
⚠️ Content warning: abuse, dubious consent.