Should have listened
If Adeline’s grandmother knew what her precious granddaughter was about to do she would probably have a heart attack. Her Oma had filled Adeline’s young mind with tales of Fae and mischief. How she needed to respect them and what they represent. That she should never follow after stray cats and ignore the whispers she heard in the night. Those were simply tricks played by Fae trying to lure young children away from their homes. She had taken this all to heart and followed all of her Oma’s teachings.
Though as time had gone on and she had gotten older she believed less and less in the warnings she had been given. She still respected what she learned. Never went anywhere after dark or wandered too deep into the dense forest that encompassed the majority of her town.
“Ade, get on with it!” a fit of giggling sounded behind her as she glared at her friends. Four sets of grinning faces looked at her from the safety of the car. The headlights illuminated the encroaching gloom. A shiver went up her spine as she looked into the woods. Her friends had made a bet. A bet that only broke idiotic college students would accept.
That was Adeline.
She just needed to go into the forest at midnight alone and make an offering to an ancient statue that resided at the center.
Simple enough.
She had thought so at the time anyway. But now she was second guessing herself. Cold seeped into her bare feet as she stared down the every growing shadows. It might not have been so bad if Emily hadn’t insisted she look the “part”. Everyone had jumped on board with that suggestion and now she stood wearing a simple white dress and colorful flowers adorning her dark hair. She felt more like a sacrifice than someone going to make a simple offering.
“Are you chickening out?” The teasing tone made her shoulders hunch up around her ears. If she didn’t do this she would be out four hundred dollars and she would have to walk home.
“No!” she called back defensively. “I just need to ask for safe passage.” She opened her satchel and pulled out a jar full of glass beads and a freshly baked sweet roll. She could hear her friends start to snicker as she placed the first offerings of the night at the edge of the woods. Clasping her hands together like her Oma taught her she spoke softly but clearly.
“Please accept these gifts in exchange for allowing me through the woods.” She waited for a moment. The small childish part of her wondering if anything would answer.
But nothing did.
Taking that as a sign to go forward she took a shaky step into trees.
“Remember to follow the path! You can’t miss it!” Emily called out, a chorus of cackling erupting after her. Adeline had a feeling that her friends were planning something. They were going to prank her, she was sure of it. But she really did need the money. Determination pushed her forward as she padded along the worn trail. Fireflies danced in the corner of her eyes and the sound of the night filled the air.
It was almost peaceful.
Light flickered ahead of her as the path soon became smooth stone. It was jarring on the soles of her feet as she approached a small statue. A small fire was burning in the mouth of a snarling dragon. The fact that it was actually lit made her firmly believe that her friends were up to something. She had to give them props for creativity. She sighed as she traced the intricate details of the dragon with her eyes. The head was constructed at such an angle that it pointed further along the path. Her gaze followed the dragons as she saw another light flickering in the distance. Adeline sang quietly as she trekked along. She got the feeling she was being watched. It crept along her spine and made the hair on her arms stand on end.
They were very committed it seemed.
Watching every motion in my foolish lover's game.
On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame.
The wind tickled against her exposed ankles and ruffled through her hair. She had the thought that it felt playful as it appeared to be pushing her on. An involuntary laugh fell from her lips. She thinks that all those stories her Oma told her were getting to her. Leaning back she peers up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly and for a moment she swears she saw something block them out. Her eyes only saw a vast expanse of nothing and then the stars were back. Shining like they had never left.
A fleeting memory of Oma telling her a story about her own Oma slunk to the forefront of her mind. She had told Adeline that when her Oma was young she spoke of dragons. How they covered the skies and obstructed the sun. Adeline’s Oma even swore up and down she had seen once. Flying over this very forest.
Shaking her head of the memory she ventured further still.
Turning and returning to some secret place inside.
Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say,
Take my breath away.
Take my breath away.
Adeline could swear she hears someone singing alongside her. If her friends wanted to scare her then they were doing a good job. It was eerie as she shuffled along the path faster. She just needed to get this over with and then she would be able to buy food for the month.
Watching, I keep waiting, still anticipating love.
Never hesitating to become the fated ones.
Turning and returning to some secret place inside.
Watching in slow motion as you turn to me and say,
My love, take my breath away.
“Through the-” she trailed off as she came to a stop. No more dragon statues to lead her, no more small flames to guide her. Adeline stared at a small pond. It was littered with lanterns that looked like tiny suns in the reflection of the water. And standing proud in the center was an arch way with creeping vines. An altar sat in the middle surrounded by floating flowers. A lone figure with a long since faded face stood behind it all. Their arms spread out as if they were waiting. It was honestly beautiful. Blue eyes turned to saucers as she took in the scene.
Holy shit her friends really went all out.
Making sure her bag was secure she lifted her dress and stepped into the water. Soft sand squished between her toes as the water came up to her mid thigh.
It was surprisingly warm.
Wading up to the archway she almost stumbled over the gentle incline. Carefully so as not to drop her gifts or hurt herself she made it up to the altar. The water now only came up past her ankles. Her gaze darted around, her muscles tense. She was sure her friends would jump out at any moment. Taking a deep breath she fished out the remaining offerings. Her hand wrapped around the neck of a smooth bottle. Szamorodni was a popular sweet wine and she recalls that Fae enjoyed drinks like this. She placed it on the altar. Next was a tiny jar filled with gold jewelry. Nothing was particularly new in there, she had long stopped wearing the heart necklace that resided in the container. She was even sure half the earrings didn’t have a pair anymore. It was a perfect simple offering. She smiled as she placed the last little trinket. A delicate glass orb that fit in the palm of her hand. Adeline had found it randomly at an antique store. Hidden inside were two indistinguishable figures, forever frozen in an intricate dance.
“Please accept these offerings.” she spoke softly as she interlocked her fingers with her head down. Something seemed to shift and the lanterns dimmed. Shadows crept in as she felt the inexplicable tingle that someone was behind her. Breath catching in her throat as she spun around. Eyes widen and she feels herself freeze. She didn't know what to expect when she turned around. Maybe something cheesy from her friends. A stupid costume and flailing limbs but that is not what she got.
Standing right before the incline up to the altar was a man. His frame was large as even though he wasn’t standing on her level he towered over her.
His gaze bore into hers. His eyes gleamed in the somber light, they looked like twinkling rubies. It was startling and she had to avert her gaze. Eyes traveled to his clothing. He was draped in deep purple robes. Opulent glittering gold jewelry was woven through his dress and hung from his neck.
“Hello Mea Carmina.” his voice sounded like right before a storm. Her eyes snapped back up to look at him.
“He.. Hello.” she wanted to look around for her friends, for a sign that this was some very elaborate prank. But she couldn’t look away from this man. She doesn’t think she can or should let him out of her sight. He stepped forward and Adeline almost choked. His gaze slipped from hers as she scuttled to the side. Water splashing up as she put distance between them. She watched fascinated as he approached the altar. Long slender fingers seemed to appraise the offerings she had left. Her heart beat both picked up and slowed down.
This had to be a part of the prank. It had to be.
“Accepted.” Adeline blinked slowly as she watched him turn over the glass orb in his hands.
“It has been many years since I was last offered something. What a kind gesture.” He turned to look at her. A smile that revealed sharp fangs flashed at her. It was frightening but the feeling that he meant her no harm settled over her.
That confused her.
“You’ve been so respectful too. Not like the others I found daring to wander my forest.” the smile turned pointed and his jaw ticked as if in irritation. The lanterns around them brightened, the light turned harsh before calming back down.
“What do you mean by others?” she ventured to ask.
This was a prank.
This was a joke.
Her friends had paid someone to do this. They paid this man to act out this strange strange joke. He looked at her as if she should already knew the answer. And she did, he was talking about her friends. Had they paid this man to pretend as if they were in danger? Swallowing around the growing lump in her throat she forced herself to laugh. “This is part of the joke right? It has to be. I knew they would do something as soon as I accepted this bet.” she tried to keep her tone light as he looked at her with inhuman eyes.
He was not laughing.
But he was smiling.
It was not pleasant.
The sinking feeling that maybe this wasn’t a joke clawed at her. If for some unholy reason she was dealing with something mystical she needed to play carefully.
“You said they were being disrespectful. What did they do?” she positioned the arch way between her and this man. He sighed, it rolled like thunder over Adeline. “No offerings, no asking for safe passage. Nothing. Simply waltzed in here as if they were owed something. So unlike you Mea Carmina.” he cooed at her. Biting at her lip she drummed her fingers against the stone.
“I am sorry for how they have treated your forest. Please allow us to leave and we shall come back with a grand apology.” she wasn’t sure if he would take her offer. But if her friends wanted to play damsels she would save them. His finger tapped languidly against his chin. His lips pursed in contemplation.
“I suppose I could allow exit from my domain..” his eyes flit over Adeline and then back to the altar. “With conditions. Or course.” his tone was teasing as he rounded the arch way. Now on the same side as her. His stride was careful, leisurely even. Matching his pace she circled round, keeping distance. His eyes became hooded as this all felt like a game. Them circling the altar in a strange sort of dance. Her barely within his reach and her knowing he is allowing this distance.
“And what are those conditions?” Their movement was causing ripples to break the surface of the water. The flowers swayed with every step.
“First give me your name?” his head tilted to the side, long hair that looked to reflect the night sky cascading over his shoulder. Her eyes narrowed. If this man was for some reason a Fae or pretending at one then he was being very obvious about it.
“I will not give you my name but I will tell you my name if you tell me yours.” This was not information she would speak for free. He chuckled, it was deep and it felt like the world shook with it.
“I don’t see why not.” He bowed, his hand sweeping out making the gem stones hanging from the lines of gold along his arm clink together.
“I am Megatronus, ruler of this realm and King of Dragons.” he looked at her expectantly. She thinks he wants her to be impressed. She gives her own bow in return.
“It is an honor to make you acquittance King Megatronus. I have no titles for in comparison I am but a humble peasant. I am Adeline.” she glances up and nearly stumbles as Megatronus was looming over her. So close that they were practically breathing the same air.
“Adeline.” he appeared to be rolling her name over his tongue.
“Yes. Now I believe you mentioned conditions as in more than one?” she went to scuttle backwards but he caught her hands in his. Pulling her closer he encompassed her.
“Of course Adeline. I will let those disrespectful little rats go if you simply be mine.” he said it so calmly. Like it didn’t sound absolutely insane.
“What?” she questioned trying not to laugh at the absurd notion.
“I know it sounds bizarre. But others have wed for less.” he simpered over her, a single finger trailing down her cheek. “It’s been so long and time only makes the heart grow softer.” with every word he spoke he got closer. Her vision being consumed by him. “And you Mea Carmina, you my Adeline would make a perfect bride.” he suddenly twirled her around, forcing her up onto the altar. Her previous offerings fell and shattered against the stone.
This had gone too far.
Pushing against Megatronus's chest she kicked her feet out at him.
“Get off me! This isn’t funny and I am done humoring this sick prank!” She shouted as she struggled against him. He simply cooed at her, his face slowly elongating and distorting.
“You still think this is a joke? I suppose I can’t blame you, you are only human after all.” a hand that steadily began to sharpen brushed through her hair, catching on knots and flowers.
A scream caught in her throat.
Oh god this was real.
“Choose Adeline. I will allow you out of the goodness of my heart to exit my domain. Your friends will be damned but you will be safe.” his voice turned gravely and filled with smoke. He tapped a clawed finger against the stone of the altar.
“Or they leave, no harm will befall them I promise. But you stay with me. Forever as my most treasured possession. My dearest Adeline.” he spoke directly into her ear and she could feel shame crawl up her throat. She thought for a moment of leaving her friends here. Technically this was all their fault. They chose this stupid bet. But she had gone along with it. She chose to go through with it. This was as much her fault as theirs.
“Okay.” she spoke barely above a whisper. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes.
“Say it, tell me you give yourself to me. Say that you belong to me.” he demanded, his voice growing in volume. She could feel herself shaking as she tried to force out the words. They felt heavy on her tongue.
Her lower lip trembled as he egged her on. His eyes searing into hers, a frantic joy taking over his features.
“Hurry Adeline.” he urged.
“I’m yours. I belong to you. I, Adeline, give myself to you, Megatronus.” a sudden burning pain enveloped her hand. It was brief but she couldn’t hold in the scream. Megatronus whispered hushed apologies into her ear as he kissed her falling tears away.
“I’m sorry Mea Carmina. I know it hurts but look.” he lifted her left hand showing her an intricate twining of golden rings that wrapped around her ring finger. At the center was shimmering sapphire. The blues so dark that it appeared nearly black in the middle.
He lifted her into his arms and held her close to his chest.
“Now my lovely little bride, let us go home.”
________________
Adeline laid awake as her husband lay sleeping peacefully. Hands that she could barely look at without seeing growing scales and claws rest gently over her waist. She wanted to move away, put a minuscule amount of space between them. But he only pulled her closer, his grip tightening as he muttered lazily in her ear. She tried not to cringe as he placed dry kisses along her neck and cheek.
“Good morning.” his voice was gravely and thick with sleep. “Did you sleep well?” he purred as positioned himself over her.
When he had brought her back to his home he had immediately as he put it wanted to consummate the marriage. Panic had gripped Adeline’s heart so furiously that she almost couldn’t speak. He didn’t seem deterred at her silence or how utterly stiff she had become. He had gone to kiss her when she slapped a hand over her mouth. His red eyes flared as his lips curled over his teeth.
Frantically she tried to think of a way out of this.
“We can’t!” she squeaked. Megatronus did not look amused, his grip on her becoming pointed and she could see scales blooming across his skin.
“And why is that my dear?” he spoke so softly but Adeline was not fooled.
“We… We..” her eyes darted around, breath stalling. “We haven’t had a proper wedding?” she says it slowly and her voice holds a question. This does seem to give him pause though.
“I see no reason for such a thing. We are already bound together.” he lifted up her hand, once again showing off the ring.
“But.. Please?” her lip trembles and she is shaking as he lays a kiss on her palm. “I want this. Please? I want a celebration with you.” Adeline wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned up placing a chaste kiss to the side of his mouth. Her throat felt dry and she wanted to cry.
“Please?” she pleaded. She wasn’t sure if her pleading had gotten him or the moment of willing affection but he let out a deep rumble and dramatically dipped her.
“How can I refuse you?” he mused. “Alright, I will give you a wedding in the morning.” she had wanted to argue that wasn’t enough time. She needed more time to plan. But he was twirling her through rooms, humming softly as they went.
A thumb brushing along her cheek brought her out of her thoughts. He was staring down at her near lovingly.
“Adeline?” right he had asked her a question. She had not slept, not really. Her mind would not calm too full of what was to come when the sun rose.
“I slept well.” she smiled at him, hoping that he would take this discomfort in her expression as just having woken up. It appeared that he had because he was smiling back down at her.
“Wonderful.” he nuzzled his cheek against hers. “Are you ready?” he asked as he lifted her from the bed, carrying her to god knows where. She wanted to tell him no, no she was not ready. That she needed more time. But instead she lied through her teeth.
“Of course I am.”
