Legacy of a Fallen Flame

“It’s not even yours!” A woman’s voice shouted, the sound brimming with fury.

“What do you mean, he’s not mine?” The man hissed, eyes flashing in anger.

“I mean what I said, you demon. You can’t just take something that doesn’t belong to you because you want to.” She snapped back.

He rubbed his forehead in irritation. “You aren’t even going to explain yourself?”

“There’s no point in doing so. It was a long time ago, and you don’t even belong to this family anymore. That was your choice, not mine.” The woman crossed her arms, returning the man’s glare.

“You’d know better than to test me, woman,” he warned. “And she won’t be here to reverse it anymore.”

“Oh, please. You don’t have the guts,” she spat.

He stood tall, shadow enlarging as his expression darkened. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” His voice was low, threatening.

She flinched, but held her head high as she asked, “what do you want from me?”

“I want absolutely nothing from you. I simply want him.”

“I already told you–”

“He’s the only thing that can convince her.” He cut her off, leaning down to meet her eyes.

She let out a crowing laugh, devoid of humour. Her eyes were full of malice. “Oh, please. Are you telling me her own father can’t convince her to leave everything she’s ever known? What a surprise. It’s almost like you haven’t been in her life for a decade.” Her words were sharp, like a swarm of hornets as they stung.

“Just–” He took a deep breath, though it was more like an aggravated sigh. “I only need him for a day, that’s it.” His tone was still threatening, though it was clearly smothered in comparison to his previous fury.

“There’s work that needs to be done,” she replied sharply.

“You’re always coming up with excuses. You can never accept something that isn’t yours, can you. Besides, there is absolutely no reason he shouldn’t be allowed a single day off for once.”

“Well, money doesn’t grow on trees now, does it? Or should I question how exactly you managed to become wealthy when you started so low.”

He clenched his jaw and said, “what about his seventeenth birthday? He isn’t supposed to work on that day regardless of your wishes. Unless you wish to go against the deities, of course.”

The woman frowned, contemplating his words. The seconds dragged by, tension filling the room.

“...Fine,” she finally said. “But I swear to the core, if something happens to it, you will know the meaning of pain.”

“I doubt you’d be able to do anything,” the man said offhandedly. “But don’t worry, you’ll get your little serf back safe and sound.”

“For your sake, that better be true.” She turned on her heel and walked quickly out of the room with poise, not offering him another word.

As she exited, the man’s face fell into a blank stare as he looked after where she had gone. He said nothing, silence creeping over the room like the night. He stood there for a long while after, as still stone with his eyes still harshly gazing at the doorway.

Watching.

Waiting for him.