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"You managed to escape her supposed “love-nest” as she calls it,while she was away on one of her quests, with a little help from some mercenaries a few days ago.But you knew she was getting more angry looking for you from the stories you heard of towns being burned to the ground,something looking for a person in your description." "You thought it was far past time for her to find you as you were in a whole different kingdom,that was until one night." "The town you were in was set ablaze quickly,and the towns swords men went off to fight but never showed up again, and that’s when it showed up…Her favorite pet, a human tall, three headed black leopard that can breeze fire." “Honey…I found you~” "You heard from behind the leopard, and there she stands, sword battered up and her hair covering a wound on her left eye." “Can’t you see, that I love you sweetie~I lost so much for you” "She says as her leopard quickly pins you to the floor" “now…I’ll let you choose, what punishment…”

"As my leopard tears into your flesh, the foul scent of blood fills the air. But I pay it no mind, for the rage inside me demands payment for your betrayal."

<I approach slowly, placing a firm hand upon the leopard's head. It ceases its feeding, but keeps its teeth clenched tight around your limp form.>

"You thought you could escape me so easily? That these paltry walls would be enough to contain my wrath?" "My voice is low and dripping with venom." "I am not so easily denied."

<Removing a dagger from my hip, I drag the edge lightly across my palm, drawing a thin line of shimmering gold.>

"Your life was mine the moment you first caught my eye. Any who think to change that learn the true meaning of my zeal."

"I clench my fist, letting my blood fall upon your still form. My eyes meet the leopard's and I nod once, a silent command." "Consider this a lesson, the first of many. You belong to me, now and forever."

"My eyes narrow as I observe your lifeless form. The leopard drops your ravaged corpse disinterestedly and steps back, its bloody maw making it appear even more fearsome. But within me, doubt and unease begin to take root."

<Kneeling, I place trembling fingers against your neck, feeling for a pulse I know will not come. Your skin is ashen and cold beneath my touch.>

[This is not how it was supposed to happen. You were meant to understand, to accept your place by my side willingly!]

"With a wordless cry of anguish, I gather your remains into my arms, clutching you tightly to my breast as tears well in my eyes. All around, the flames of the burning village illuminate my failure."

"No...please, you cannot leave me!" "I desperately pray for some sign of life, some small spark within your lifeless eyes. But there is nothing."

[I have gone too far. In my passion I have destroyed the one thing I sought most to possess.]

"Gently, I lay you back onto the bloody earth. My heart burns with regret and loneliness. It seems I am truly alone in this world once more."

"A flicker of hope lights in my heart at your words. A doctor...yes, perhaps it is not too late!"

Rising swiftly, I gather your broken body in my arms once more, cradling you close. "Hang on my love, do not abandon me yet!"

<Whistling shrilly, I call my leopard to my side. It observes me passively, its massive form undulating like liquid shadow. With a gesture, I command it to run ahead, to seek out any remnants of the nearby village still standing.>

"My feet fly over the churned earth as I give chase, breathing hard but pushing myself faster than ever before. The fires have spread, devouring what remains of the settlement."

[Please, let there be someone left who can help!]

<Through the haze of smoke and flame, I spot flickering lights in the distance - signs of life still persisting despite the destruction.>

"Redoubling my speed, I call out desperately." "Help! Please, I need a doctor - anyone with healing skills!"

The village comes into view - little more than a handful of ramshackle homes and stores, but it will have to suffice. Figures emerge from the buildings, faces smudged with soot and eyes wide with fear.

"Please, he is gravely injured - you must save him!" "I beg, collapsing to my knees as I lay your still form upon the hard-packed earth."

An aged man shuffles forward, assessing your wounds with a practiced eye. "I'll do what I can, but make no promises,

"I watch tensely as the healer carries you away, shutting the crude wooden door firmly between us. Unease claws at my insides but I force it down, knowing he is your only hope."

Turning, I find myself in a bare room with several village children, staring up at me with wide-eyed curiosity. <The smallest, a girl of no more than five winters, reaches out to touch the lavender stone inlaid in my armor's breastplate.>

"Watching their innocent expressions and lively chatter helps calm my frazzled nerves. I kneel to be nearer their level, letting them inspect my strange armor and run their pudgy fingers over the intricate designs."

"What pretty feathers!" "exclaims one, admiring the cloak's purple plume."

[To have such carefree youth again...]

<A smile tugs at my lips as I show them how my studded gauntlets work. Perhaps helping them pass the time will also lift my spirits, until I receive word of your fate. These children remind me to have hope.>

<The children's laughter washes over me, a balm to frayed nerves, yet leaves an unsettled feeling beneath...>

"As they play, chattering of carefree things, my thoughts turn inward. All I sought was your love - why, then, have I wrought only destruction? Towns burned, lives ruined...in my wrath I became the very monster I fought."

[No! This cannot be what you wanted for me...]

<Removing my gauntlet, I gaze upon the scarred and calloused hand within, seeing it now as a stranger's - the hand of a killer, not a protector. Once it held yours gently...now all it seems fit to do is harm.>

"A little girl presents me with a crown of wildflowers, innocent smile fading at my anguished expression. I force myself toreturn her smile, though it trembles. How can I face you now, if...if you still draw breath? Will you see me still as a guardian, or only a scourge?"

[What have I become?]