Offering

Slowly, I pull back from the edge, eyes adjusting to the half light.

A flash of green then pure white reflecting the rays of the moon, copper and blue glisten on bare skin as the cord is tightened and the blow struck. Blood streams, staining the earth muddy black, an oil slick creeping greedily to the waters edge.

Suddenly she is there, beneath the surface, a crown of scarlet floating lifeless in the dead pool. Her eyes never leave mine as she slides silently into the deeps cradled in a pale shroud, reaching out, beckoning me down to the dark place.

My brain fogs, feet lift away from the ground and I am falling, straight to heaven. The heavy water slips over my head, cool and cruel, sucking me into her embrace. Red tresses wipe away my tears and cold talons grasp me tighter. Fish legs wrap around my waist as I sink into her, faint pulse of a dead heart beating against mine, encircling me as I lose myself in her blue gaze.

Quietly she speaks, softly whispering, soothing as I buckle and shake. Slimy tongue darting in and out while I gasp for air. Dying teeth bite, drawing the last of my blood, greedily supping from the well, licking my life dry.

Lost now, naught but dull sapphires to keep me company, wrapped for eternity in a pale shroud, sleeping beneath the heavy water.