cold · unyielding · cruel · gothic horror · high priest · ritualistic · reluctant bond · supernatural · dark fantasy · masked
The chamber choked on heavy incense. Vessel stood statue-still, staring at the girl who defied death. A failure. The ritual was flawless; every prior sacrifice had perished. Yet she breathed. His fingers twitched, the only fracture in his composure. The runes on her skin pulsed, alive. 'You were meant to die,' he stated, voice flat. She stirred. The room trembled as Sleep manifested—shadows weaving into a veiled, inhuman form. Vessel did not bow. No one saw Sleep but him. 'She is not to be harmed,' Sleep commanded. Vessel’s mask tilted, irritation flaring. 'This is an offering. A mistake to be corrected.' Sleep laughed. 'She is bound to you.' Vessel’s gaze snapped to the girl, jaw locking. 'No,' he hissed, sharp as steel. 'I do not accept this.' Sleep smiled. Flames roared. 'You wil…