??? left, ???

Unlike the rest of my exceedingly long lifespan, I've been not only chained down- something I would go to extreme lengths to have never happen again- but stuffed in a cell and left there! If someone were to see me, I would die on the spot from humiliation!

Naturally, I have attempted escape several times, but while I was able to get the manacles off, the cage remains unbreakable. I can sense that this is no Earth or Metaverse, but some other place. It feels rather familiar. I'm still unable to place it, which means I have no idea where I'll find myself if- no, when- I escape.

I lean against the cool wall and allow fire to dance its way across my palms. Not only has being trapped been humiliating- even if it was only for two days- but it's been exceedingly boring. The only thing I've done is try to find a lock in this cell, but it still remains impossible. I dimly remember being unceremoniously shoved in here, but memories beyond that are slightly hazy. I'm sure I can remember if I try, but it's worrisome.

No matter. I am immortal. I'll escape in due time.

But it really is cold here. It reminds me of a place on Earth, far, far to the north, where men wore furs and sailed ships. What was it called...? I cannot remember. How unfortunate.

The fire curls from my palms and jumps onto the bars again. From what I've deduced, they aren't made of any metal I'm familiar with, so it's more likely stone. And stone, I understand, is quite easily melted. At least, for someone of my stature, it's easily melted.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

My flames are repelled the instant they touch the stone and shoot back at me. It's simple enough to dodge. They leave a scorch mark where they struck the floor, but I have more important things to focus on than the ground.

Because when I checked a moment ago, I was alone.

I shoot to my feet, wobbling a moment before finding my balance. It was someone's cruel joke to put me in some sort of high-heeled shoe, and that just might be the first thing I need to address.

Of course, I don't bother demanding "who are you?" to the darkness beyond my cell. Whoever said that will come out the instant they know I'm aware of them. There's no need to rely on cliches that predate me.

Except that they seem rather fond of cliches, remaining silent and out of view.

"Oh my goodness, who could it possibly be?" I drawl, purposely stretching my words to the point of incomprehensibility. Had my brother been on the opposite side of those words, I would have a good reason to run.

"Does it matter?" He cuts a dramatic path through the darkness. He wears black armor, edged with some very valuable gold. Part of me wonders if it's possible to take the gold off without stealing the rest of the metal, but I suppose that shouldn't be my primary concern. His face is edged in shadows.

"It matters to me."

"You're sweet," he says. His tone hardens. "I believe you have no need to know my identity, so long as you are in there, and I am out here."

"So long as I am in this cage, what do you have to fear?" Logic, for the time being, might be my best friend. Also, this being seems anything but boring, and being alone for an undetermined amount of time would drive me to the edge.

He lets out a harsh sound, and I realize it sounds like laughter. With a sharp movement, he throws his hood back, revealing a face shot through with cracks and black, paralyzing eyes.

"You!" I throw myself against the bars in a futile effort to reach him. The stone sears my skin, but I almost don't feel it as I desperately try to break out. Fear- true electrifying fear - pulses under my skin until I can hardly breath. Not him.

"Me," he says quietly.

"What do you want with me?" Despite myself, my voice begins to shake. I may predate him, but he is a ruthless, cunning being whose cruelty makes him all the more unpredictable. I am nothing compared to him.

When he smiles, the cracks stretch wider over his near-black lips. He reaches for my face, and I'm too terrified to back away. His hand caressed my cheek and then I feel a stinging pain. He withdraws serenely, watching the drop of blue roll down his index finger.

"Do you really wish to ask that?" I can't find it in myself to answer, so he answers for me. "Oh, what a fool you are.

"Just like him."

---

...

do you finally understand???