the beast in the gold-lined cloak had not specified how he would achieve her revenge. he only offhandedly mentioned even seeking it in the first place.

she thought a pox, or perhaps a bad harvest would suffice. something to get back at them for their horrible treatment, all because of her hair color. whispers of witchcraft and fae devilry. exclusion from town meetings and festivals.

she had not imagined a hoard of half-flayed monsters killing all they came across. she had not imagined her village ablaze when she rambled her inconsiderate thoughts aloud to her unusual companion on their evening walks.

but perhaps that didn't matter. the beasts' sort of creature did not do their works by halves. she spoke foolishly, and her foolishness was killing people right before her eyes. nothing she could do would save them.

"i do not grant miracles for nothing," the beast purred, the short hair of his long face shifting against her own. she could hear the grin in his voice, could imagine all his sharp teeth bared, though she couldn't bring herself to look at him. "you must give me something in return."

the heavy hand on her abdomen pressed down, the unnatural heat of his palm sinking into her core. he sought his pound of flesh for services rendered? she never asked for any of this, she never signed a contract or any black book. 'who is he to demand payment?' she thought.

dazed, she looked away from the burning ruin of her home and the screaming of everyone she'd ever known; the beast ever so gently rubbed her left ring finger with his thumb.

somehow, she could imagine his fiery eyes softening just a tad, the corners of his rictus grin easing; like he was looking at something precious. his hands, despite their size and strangeness, could be gentle.

but that knowledge, that innate assurance that he didn't wish her physical harm, couldn't comfort her now. she shook, and watched a ring, shining gold to match his cloak and his ornaments and his eyes, materialize out of the smoke and darkness right onto her finger. it fit perfectly, as if it had always been there.