A Skeptical Audience

Zariah just continued to smile at Eli, a beautiful smile that was cold as ice, unwelcoming and bitter. It was his saving grace that he was clearly filled with fire and fight – for Zariah the Merciless had use for such traits even if they came packaged with defiance. But defiance was only temporary. She knew how to do away with such undesirable based traits. She waited patiently whilst he threw his temper tantrum, waiting, watching, not moving a muscle even as he charged towards her, as if his physical presence might intimidate her to bend. Oh no. Not Zariah. The second he was in reach, his hand mere hair’s breadth away from her person, lightning shot forth, running through his body with a force just powerful enough to send searing pain through every nerve and muscle fiber, stilling him before he fell to the ground, surely just on the brink of unconsciousness. But the Queen did not worry about that – those with fight like him would not succumb to the comfort of the subconscious so easily. The Queen crouched down, placing a hand on his forehead, a soothing smile now tugging at her lips. New magic worked its way through his mind, seeping into every crevice, unnoticeable but still ever present as she worked her power of suggestivity. ”It is hard losing everything and appearing in this place, I know. But what I offer you is what you seek, isn’t it? I offer you purpose. I offer you power. I offer you meaning in this suffering called life. Certainly, to serve me faithfully as your Queen is but a small price for such bounty of gifts?” she said, her voice soothing and warm, wrapping around him like a comforting hug. zariah If it is danger you seek, come on over. I covet tranquility but beget the tempest storm.