The pan hissed loudly on the black iron stove as the peppers began to pop and the sauce simmered. Soft hums left my lips as I prepared the ribs for James.

He had been working so hard on trying to free me from the fairy promise. Even now as I cook his favorite food, he sat hunched over behind the library desk, surrounded by a multitude of books. Guilt filled me as I thought of my own foolishness.

"Only I would get us in trouble like this.. of course." I frown deeply as I start to tenderize the meat, "Dumb little Olivia just had to make a promise and ruin our peaceful lives!" I hiss at myself before turning off the stove and lightly pouring sauce over the ribs. I slap the foil over the pan before walking to the giant oven, "I mean- C'mon! You had one job and that was to be a good mom and wife, maybe even an adventurer, but no! You just had to screw it up with your promises!" I yell at myself as I throw the sheet onto a rack.

I sigh softly as I look into the oven. Despite the darkness that loomed inside, it was calming. A pit of nothingness to get lost in.

I take a step forward, "One little peek won't hurt.." I look over my shoulder to the empty kitchen before turning back to the black pit.

Each step I took deeper echoed against the brick walls. I cover my arms and rub them slowly as the cold slowly seeps in as the wind blows slowly.

I stop in my tracks, "Wind?.." I hold my hands out to feel the flowing air. I gasp softly, "It's a tunnel.." my eyes widen as I look forward into the blackness for an end but only to be met with the same darkness I had entered into.

"I need a flashl-" A strong hand wrapped around my mouth, pulling me into a big body. I screamed as I thrashed against it but to no avail as it began to drag me away. Tears stung my eyes as my breathing began to quicken and my heart thrummed wildly against my rib cage. My feet dig into the ash covered ground but it was useless.

Bright lights blinded me as the kitchen came back into view. I scratched at his arm, desperately trying to get away. My head felt light as I stared at the white tiles, "Not like this.." I bite the hand hard, making the man curse loudly.

"James?!" I look back and gasp as he looked down at me, his face angry before falling into a blank state.

"What were you doin in the oven?" He snapped, his voice portaging what his face didn't. My brows furrow as I throw up my hands, "Why did you grab me like that?!" I step forward but stop as his eyes darken. "Why were you in the oven." He repeats, this time stepping forward until his feet touched mine. I back away but it does nothing as he follows until my back is pressed against the wall. "I-I was putting the ribs in and got curious.." I look down at my hands guiltily before looking back up at him, "But it's not just an oven.. It's a tunnel, James." I look back over into the darkness, making chills run up my body.

His hand gripped my chin as he turned my face to his, "You put yourself in danger because you didn't listen to me." I grip his wrist as I try to pull his hand off, "I don't have to listen to you! And I'm not hurt!" His eyes began to turn completely black, "Do you see how easily I took you?!" His voice deepened as he pulled my face closer, "Anyone could have gotten you, Olivia. You need to be safe. Be smart." He hissed, making my eyes water. I rip my face out his hand and hold my aching chin, "W-What's wrong with you?.." His eyes flicked over to the oven, "There's too many dangers in this world and I can't protect you if you put yourself in danger.." I look at my feet as my arms wrapped around my body.

The terror in my own eyes reflected off his black orbs. I slowly lift my hands to touch his cheeks, "I-I won't do it again.. Just calm down.." My voice betrayed me as it cracked, making him flinch back. His face contorted in pain as he looked away to the floor, "I-I love you.. I can't lose you.. neither of you.." I could feel his eyes on my stomach as I placed my hand on it. Pain stabbed my chest as I moved my arms around his neck, pulling him close, "I love you too."  His arms wrapped tightly around me as he pulled my body flush against his.

Time passed slowly as we stood in each other's embrace. His hands slowly rubbed my back as my own played with his black hair. I freeze as his horns stop my fingers, "You.. changed." I mumble softy and look down at him as he nuzzles his face into my neck, "I'm sorry I made you that mad.." I mumble and he shakes his head, "No I just have a bad temper.. I'm sorry.." I press my lips against his cheek before shaking my head, "We're both buttheads." I mumble and he hums softly, "Big Buttheads." A giggle leaves my lips as he chuckles.

"All's forgiven?" He pulls away and I nod my head, "Yeah.. I am sorry though." My eyes drop to my feet but his finger gently tilted my head back up, "Kiss me and I'll forgive you." A smile lifts at our lips as I stand on the tips of my toes, "C'mere." He chuckles and bends down, pressing a kiss on my lips.
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What do y'all think is attached to the tunnel?.. Where does it lead? Hmmm.. 👀🤭