#is dead?

“You look wonderful, Silver,” Lilia complimented as he helped his son dress for his wedding. “You look like a Prince out of a fairy tale! Are you sure I can’t get you to ride the white stead down the aisle?” Silver felt his face warm at his father’s praise, his heart aflutter at the excitement for this day.

He couldn’t believe this day had finally come. There had been struggles along the way, especially last week when his fiance told him of a job opportunity that would require them to leave Briar Valley. Silver, however, didn’t want to leave his family, so they came to a compromise where they could have both.

“Thank you, father. I hope you’re right; I want to look my best today,” Silver replied, nervously playing with his sleeve. Lilia tutted at his words.

“Do you doubt my judgment?” he said in a mock pout. Then his expression softened. “I can’t believe my little boy is getting married today. It seems like just yesterday you were trick or treating in the woods near our cottage, practicing swordplay… now look at you. All grown up.” His voice started wistful but cracked near the end. Silver instinctively reached out but Lilia stopped him.

“No, no. I’m fine, really,” he assured the other. He wiped a stray tear from his eye before beaming. “I’m proud of you, Silver. You’ve grown to be a fine young man, and I can’t wait to see how your future unfolds.” Silver nodded as butterflies fluttered around his stomach.

“Same here,” he murmured. At this point, there was a knock at the door. “Ah! Come in…” Silver’s voice trailed off when he saw who entered. “Lord Malleus…”

A tall, pale man with eyes of green flame and hair of midnight stepped into the room, ducking so his horns didn’t scratch the door frame. In his hand, he held a tall green bottle of wine.

Lord Malleus was the Lord of Phantom Manor and had been like a brother to Silver all his life. As such, they were quite close. However, there was tension as of late. 

When Silver told Malleus that he was getting married, the latter had been furious and even tried to forbid it. It took Silver’s desperate pleas and Lilia's stern scolding to get the other to calm down. Malleus apologized and even offered the mansion as a venue. For a while, it seemed things were fine between the two. However, this past week Malleus had been distant and closed off.

Silver shifted on his feet, like a small child, as his eyes darted away. Had Malleus come to try and talk him out of the wedding again? Or something else? 

Lilia seemed just as suspicious as his eyes narrowed at the other.

“Malleus…” he said in a low tone as he stepped between the two, warning the other not to start anything. Malleus may have been the Lord of the manor, but Lilia had a great deal of influence as well, having served his family for three generations now and being the power behind the family. Malleus held up a hand.

“I’ve only come to see if Silver needs anything,” he explained calmly. “And to speak with him alone.” Lilia folded his arms.

“Haven’t you had enough ‘talks’ alone?” he scoffed, recalling the many fights and arguments that had occurred, one that nearly got Silver tossed down the stairs.

Malleus glanced away in shame, lips pressed under a frown at the accusation. Silver’s heart went out to the man. Silver knew Malleus wasn’t a violent person, but ever since they opened that gold mine on Dwarf Hills, he had been acting—odd, and far more aggressive. There were even rumors that Malleus had been possessed by an evil spirit. Even Sebek, who was the most loyal supporter of the Lord could not justify or defend all his actions as of late.

Even so, Malleus was still someone very dear to Silver, and he wouldn’t turn him away for any reason.

“It’s okay Father, I don’t mind,” Silver said to Lilia. Seeing Lilia look unsure, he repeated himself, “It’s okay.” Despite how Malleus had been acting, Silver knew him, and he knew that the Lord would never do him any serious harm. The incident on the stairs had been an accident, he was sure of it and had told Lilia just as much. Lilia pressed his lips and then sighed.

“Oh, alright! But hurry; there’s not a lot of time before the wedding starts!” he said, smoothing his green suit out. He then floated up to kiss Silver’s forehead. “I’ll see you later to walk you down the aisle, dear.” Then, after shooting Malleus a look of warning, the fae left.

The silence that soon fell after his departure was thick. Neither were men of words, so neither knew what to say. Finally, Malleus spoke;

“You look beautiful, Silver,” the Lord said softly. Green eyes were glazed over with several emotions as he looked the silver youth over.

Silver forced a smile, his pleasure at the words drowned by a sense of dread that something bad may happen. He pushed the feeling aside. “Thank you.” Malleus stepped forward, and Silver held his breath as the other reached out a hand. Gloved fingers brushed against his temple as Malleus pushed a lock of hair behind his ear.

“Are you anxious?” he asked in monotone. Silver nodded, swallowing a gulp as his senses screamed at him.

“A little,” he admitted, telling himself that the emotions he was feeling were wedding jitters and had nothing to do with his Lord. “It is my wedding day, after all. My whole life’s gonna change after this.” At the reminder Mallus’ face became as hard as stone, his body just as tense.

“Yes. You’re right,” he said, voice tight. Then his voice shifted, becoming distant. “After today, everything will change.” Silver stiffened at his words, which sounded more like a threat than a thought said aloud.

“Lord Malleus?” But before he could question the man, Malleus turned away.

“I can make you feel better.” As he said this, he held up the bottle he brought in his hand. Malleus didn’t drink, nor did anyone else who lived in the manor, but Malleus kept some liquor for guests and parties.

“I...I don’t think I should,” Silver said, feeling uneasy, his palm sweaty. “The wedding will start soon…”

“One glass won’t hurt. In fact, it’ll help calm your nerves,” Malleus insisted. “Besides, this is a way for me to apologize… for everything.” His eyes drifted to the side at this, and his grip tightened on the bottle. Seeing his anguished features, Silver ignored the warning bells in his head and nodded stiffly.

“Alright,” he agreed. “One glass should be fine.” Malleus hummed.

“One sip will be all it takes.” The Lord poured two glasses of wine, which reminded Silver of freshly spilled blood, a sight he witnessed as a child due to a mistake during sword training. Malleus had bandaged him that day. Despite the rough time they’ve had since Malleus started working in the mine, Malleus had looked after Silver his whole life. He would never do him harm.

Silver took the offered cup, and Malleus held his own above his head.

“To your—new life,” he toasted. Silver nodded and thanked him before gulping the cup, his nerves getting the best of him.

At first, he felt fine. Though the taste was off and tasted of iron and something else--

Silver stumbled into the tray beside him, spilling the contents. His world became hazy as he tried to steady himself. His breathing became hard as his throat tightened like something was strangling him.

‘What in the world…?’ “Malleus…?” Silver’s legs gave out and he fell forward. Two strong arms caught him before encircling him in a tight grip.

“I’m sorry,” Malleus' voice said softly into his ear as he stroked the moonlight hair. “But I won’t let you leave me. Not now, not ever.” Silver’s head fell against Malleus' chest.

“Malleus...” Darkness overtook Silver.