Monarch of Darkness, Arsene



I hadn't planned to ask him such a cruel question, but the words had just left my mouth as if some deeper part of me wished for an answer. I knew I was putting him in a tight spot, but… I was sure my other half wished to know. She wanted to hear him say the words.

Arsene is currently stuck in the middle due to the Path of Abyssal Night. I wonder… what boon he'd receive if he chose…

Feeling my heart flutter at the thought of Arsene siding with the Abyss, of him falling to one knee, I couldn't keep my cheeks from growing flush. I never wanted him to kneel before me or do anything of the sort, but why am I filled with anticipation at the thought?

Why do I wish him to fall to one knee like he is about to propose?

"Your both serious," Arsene lamented in a strained tone, surely feeling the pressure of the One and the All. I knew it wasn't fair, but his position differed from others. It's dangerous because of me.

Arsene can't be allowed the grace of the Father and the Abyss. But…

"I choose the Abyss. What type of question is that even? Your, my wife? Hmmm. I guess it would have been better if I had asked whether I could keep the Path of Abyssal Night. What a conundrum, I—"

Lunging myself into his embrace, lost in a myriad of emotions, I tiptoed up, pressing my lips against his, unable to control myself.

Arsenes lips had always tasted of a delectable bourbon: It was spicy, rich, bitter, with a sliver of honey so sweet, it made my knees weak, but it tasted different this time. And I felt different as I pulled away tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Arsene," I said, the words not my own but rather my other self. But it felt natural… It felt like a part of me had returned. "Thank you."

"Abyss-Chan, is that you?"

I nodded, running my hands through his ashen hair, staring into his eyes that slowly began to glow the scarlet color of the Abyss.

As if the Cardenal Sins had been birth within those twin gems of his, I felt lost in thought as I spoke: "My gift to you. Use it wisely. My Elder Brother will not hesitate to exterminate you should you fail to follow the Shadow Proclamation. And fair, not. Once a gift is given, it can never be taken away. The Path will forever be yours."

Arsene looked stunned, but before he could speak, I continued: "There will be a time in the future I will perish. I give you the power to help change that future. The Abyss is yours to wield. Use it wisely."

… What am I saying. I am going to die? Me?

"A death for Avatars like us can lead to two possibilities: Total memory lost or an eternity of years lost. Neither is favorable. And as I do not wish to perish. I grant you this power. So in my name, bring Chaos to those who wish to harm me. After all, you are the only one I can depend on."

"A—"

Vision cutting to black, I felt the world spiral out of my control as a hopeless sensation coiled around me, dipping into my soul with such force all that was left was eternal darkness alongside a numbing sensation.

…

…

…

The hanging moon had become the first thing my eyes gazed upon as I awoke from that realm of darkness that had sucked away my consciousness. But the numbing sensation hadn't left me. It felt as if I had been suspended in space and time, as not even my heart could beat.

"Your awake!" The soothing voice of Arsene called bewitching as always.

And I turned to him, to his shimmering scarlet eyes that didn't resemble the color of blood but the purest version of sin.

"How are you feeling?"

My gaze trailed to his lips, his chin, and his topless chest, revealing a sculpture of perfection: it was as if every muscle, every vain, had been perfectly sculpted by me. He had seemed even taller for some reason the closer he came.

"Why aren't you answering me?"

Why is it every time I see you... you somehow manage to become even more handsome.

"I'm going to kill them, Arsene." I told him, "Freya, Ezra, and Zanris."

He stepped over the campfire, smiling, and squatted to my eye level, those sinful eyes of his spinning with amusement that seemed more frightening than ever before.

Is he going to hit me? Is he going to rage? Will he coil his fingers around my neck?

Anticipation for his response came faster than I'd expected as he said: "Do it. I don't care. But I don't think you will. You'll weaken me that way." Involuntarily biting my lips, I watched as the devil smiled. " My dear wife, you sure are a greedy one. You already have my heart. Now you want my body. Shameless."

The numbness reeling over my body was quick to rage as I hoisted myself up, glaring at him as blood coiled down my lips. " I don't care if it weakens you. I'll be as greedy, shameless, and heartless as I need to be. I was merely waiting for you to return home before I carried out my plan. But you are mine! And I'll not allow another to steal you. Not even for a single night."

'Wiillful woman…" He mused as I glared down at him. He stood to his feet, towering over me, with a looming shadow. "Do you think killing my lovers will—"

I pointed at him: "Your mine! And I'm not sharing. Not with anyone."

"Do you not fear that I will hate you?"

"Do you not fear that I will hate you for cheating?"

The answer was clear to both of us: We wouldn't.

I wasn't sure why we were like this, and I honestly couldn't care to be bothered. I will forever be Arsene greatest ally, his greatest woman. And I'll not allow another to have him.

Tene that little bitch, just you wait. One day, I'll have your head.

He smiled and fell to one knee, those sinful eyes of his shimmering a devious hue that quickly made my heart flutter.

Unconsciously, I offered him my hand. He accepted without a moment of hesitation as he smiled brightly. He pressed his lips against my palm, looking up at me, and spoke: "Then shall we see who shall win this war?"

"You mean this slaughter?"

He chuckled. "Good luck, wife."

"Happy hunting, husband."

"Ok! You're both fucking weird! This is the creepiest shit I've seen in a while!"