Undying Devotion
The end & the Beginning

Arion had left Shannara in Maisie’s hospital room. This wasn’t the way he had first intended to bring her to his realm, but he also couldn’t deny the opportunity. He should be happy, but he was only filled with rage.

His lips curled up into a snarl as he reached the parking lot. To hell with it if anyone saw him! He let loose a roar as his wings burst from his back, shreds of material from his torn suit floating to the ground. He’d replace this sick bastard as quickly as possible and make him pay. Pushing off from the ground he jumped into the air, he’d not used his wings in quite some time, the feeling slightly foreign to him as he willed them to take him higher and faster.

The killer’s scent could easily be found, like a hound dog on a hunt, he narrowed his search radius and headed in that direction. The phenomenons the idiot had drowned himself in a mistake, as it acted as a beacon, leading him to where he needed to be. However, as he grew closer it became increasingly difficult to pinpoint an exact location as the smell grew to be overpowering.

Landing with a heavy thud on a damp dirt track he continued his pursuit on foot. He found himself before a small farmhouse on the edge of town. It wasn’t far from Masie’s home, one could easily walk it in about 15 minutes. The dwelling appeared to be run down and abandoned, the foliage, bushes and trees completely overgrown. This wasn’t the killer’s usual spot, likely it had been chosen to complete the ritual. Close enough to the last victim so he could hurriedly reach the destination with his last piece needed.

Arion shimmied off his already tattered suit jacket, unbuttoned his cuffs rolling them up his arms and undid his tie. Throwing the tie to the ground he strode forward stalking his prey. He didn’t bother hiding his wings again, but there was no need for him to fully transform either, not for this scum of the human race. He was somewhere in this run-down building and he wasn’t letting him leave with his life.

Reaching the entrance to the desolate place he raised his leg, with a mighty thrust he kicked the door clean from its rusted hinges. The wooden piece splintered off crashing into the adjacent wall, announcing his presence loud and clear. He wasn’t going to barge in without making sure he wasn’t stepping into any traps this time.

His eyes held a red hue as he looked for trances of magic, lingering remains of spells or traps that may have been cast. The house was silent and still, Arion could only hear his own breathing as he strode forward, his ears straining to make out anything. He couldn’t rely on his nose, the sense was overpowered and useless now, his sight and hearing his only asset as he prowled deeper.

His head turned eerily slow to the side his eyes closing as he focused on the faintest heartbeat. With each step he took deeper into the dwelling that little heartbeat was growing more erratic. Opening his eyes he flexed his neck and shoulders before moving further toward the little mouse waiting for him.

He stood before an old rotted-out door, which appeared to be connected to what used to be the kitchen, likely a wine cellar when it was in use. That’s where he was, down there. Reaching for the handle that was barely attached, the door creaked and wined as he opened it. He descended the stairs cautiously, checking for more devil’s traps as he went. The area was dimly lit by flicking candlelight, his eyes adjusting quickly to the darkness, he scanned the area.

The circular rug at the bottom of the steps was a clear giveaway, standing out like a sore thumb. He sidestepped it entering the cellar, a smug-looking man concealed in the darkness smirking in his direction.

“You’ve finally come, and just when I was thinking I had failed again.” He stepped forward into the light of a flicking candle. An eerie site illuminated bind him.

Arion cringed looking at the mess this man had created. His eyes followed the bloodied runes and markings at the center was a life-size doll that resembled a small child. Its face looked so lifelike in the darkness, framed with a head of red curls.

The man had caught the distraction and turned to pick up his creation. “Isn’t she beautiful. I made it for you- well for your kind.” He held it out in front of him as though offering to him, the thought turning his stomach.

A face made of skin had been delicately sewn onto the doll’s face. Masie’s face with different ears, a new nose and completely different eyes. The smile the thing held was eerie and repulsive, given that he knew that they were human teeth shining back at him only made things worse. The nails appeared to be glued on and well-maintained. the clothing it wore showing off its midriff with a small silver piercing sticking out. The doll was his effigy, the idol he had been creating with his sacrifices.

“I didn’t think I would need to actually murder seven people to make this work. Though I’m sure I made a mistake by making the first a male. I changed that quickly. I did it right this time!” His eyes were wide with wonder and excitement. “I’m Alaric, but you can call me master!”

“Alaric, I think you’ve had enough fun in the human world.” Arion stood at the ready waiting for the pristine opportunity to strike.

The man looked shocked. “So you are here for me!? Are taking me with you to get my wish granted?!”

“Yes.” He hissed slowly. “I’m here for you.” His tone was deep, menacing and condescending. He moved quickly, his inhuman speed taking Alaric by surprise. A clawed hand closed around the man’s neck as Arion stared down into the now fear-ridden eyes. “You did not appease me, you angered me!” He stated through gritted teeth, his grip tightening.

Alaric was frantic as he struggled, even clawing at the hand that was crushing his windpipe. The minor abrasions left behind by the human didn’t phase Arion one bit.

“W-Wait! Please.” Alaric managed to squeak out between gasps. “I-I only did what I was told, I followed all the demon’s orders! I-I did everything right!” He wheezed clutching onto his life as best he could.

Arion narrowed his eyes on the writhing creature in his grip. It didn’t matter to him, he could figure out the leak on the other side. “I will not waste any more time on you.”

Alaric’s eyes bulged, in a shift movement Arion stuck, his hand had shifted from the human’s neck and to his jaw. Giving his wrist a little twist while keeping a firm hold he dislocated the man’s jaw. a muffled cry escaped as Alaric stumbled backwards dropping his priced doll to the ground.

Arion was determined to make this hurt. The man attempted to scurry to his feet but Arion grabbed hold of his arm. He pulled, there was an ungodly pop before the flesh-tearing sounds were covered up by a horrific scream. Blood sprayed, coating them and the cellar walls as the limp was detached. Alaric had fallen to the ground again, cradling what remained of his arm stump. He tried to crawl his way away and get to the stairs. Pulling himself up the first wooden ledge Arion buried his heel into the human’s knee, scattering it against the wooden step on impact. The leg was now angled at an unhealthy angle with a bone protruding. The screams didn’t stop, they only intensified. Good! He thought, let him suffer. Arion didn’t smile, he didn’t laugh, he didn’t replace joy in tearing the human apart. But he didn’t stop, he didn’t let up and he showed no mercury.

His hands were soaked in blood by the time the human stopped breathing, he hadn’t given the vile thing the satisfaction of passing out before he died. He retrieved a box from the abandoned cellar, though it was damp and dusty it would do for now. He pulled Alaric’s head clean from his body, detaching it from the limp shoulder and packed it up, a gift for the local police station. He also took the effigy and the book that had been on the table next to his makeshift altar.

With everything he needed in hand and his task complete, it was time to return to his queen.

Shannara said holding Masie’s hand when it happened. Masie had woken up again distorted and a mess. She had managed to calm her friend down telling her to wait, it would all make sense soon, she had someone on it. Though she couldn’t go into details she reassured Masie that this would all end tonight.

They both gasped at the same time. Their eyes widened as the memories and fogginess lifted from their minds. “Shann?” Masie asked shocked. “His face... I remember it.”

“It’s done, it’s time.” She’d already explained that she would need to leave town after this.

“No, please.” Masie was on the verge of tears again. “You can’t leave me, I need you...”

Shannara squeezed her hand gently, “I made a deal Masie. One I can’t go back on. I told you this ends tonight. This is the price I have to pay.”

“Then, take me with you!” She pleaded.

She felt her heart sink as an overwhelming feeling threatened to overtake her. She wanted to tell her friend everything, but that would only endanger her more. She let go of her hand and backed up a few steps. “I can’t...”

Turning her back she walked out of the room with Masie screaming after her to come back, it broke her heart to leave her like this, but she was safe now. That’s what mattered the most. Her bottom lip trembled as she leant against the wall outside Masie’s room. She could hear her friend sobbing, she felt her own tears fall down her cheeks as she closed her eyes trying to calm herself down.

Taking a deep breath she pushed herself off the wall and willed herself to walk away. She left the building and walked out into the car park, she knew he would be waiting for her there. As expected, he was standing in a darkened corner away from the street lights, hidden away from view by the trees.

Approaching him she began with a question. “It’s done?”

“Yes.” His answer was short and stern.

“What did you do with... him?” She asked.

“I pulled him limb from limb and delivered his head with his disgusting toy to the police station. They’ll replace it soon.” His voice this own time had been animalistic and unlike him.

“Good!” She responded sternly.

His piercing red-hued eyes turned toward her as though surprised by her remark, though he remained silent.

“And your book?” She asked.

“In hand, I can only destroy it on my side.” He explained.

“Are you ready?” He asked after a short spout of silence.

“No.” She responded truthfully. She stepped toward him but he appeared to slink away as though he didn’t want her to see him. “Is everything okay?”

“I-I can’t calm down, what he did...” He let out a growl that made her jump a little. “It might be best if you keep your distance. You fear me as a demon.”

Confused she reached for him, her hand gently touching his arm, she could feel that it was wet and slightly sticky. Was he covered in blood? “No, we’re in this together now.” She remarked.

Watching as a clawed hand slid over hers and she realized he wasn’t quite so human right now and his remark suddenly made sense. Though she’d always known that, to see it was something else. She couldn’t stop herself from stiffening under his touch.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked.

She didn’t miss his hooded gaze as she had flinched at his touch. She felt her heart clench, was he giving her an out? Could she even take it? No, that wouldn’t be right. He had gone this for her, the least she could do was repay him. She wouldn’t go back on her word. And after what had just happened not just the police but the CIA would be after her now. She could have a happy life in this realm any longer, he was her chance at something new.

“Let’s get you home.” She said gently as she stepped into the darkness with him.

Shannara and Arion will return...