Hello everyone! Welcome to my first story attempt. I hope you enjoy this first bit. Your feedback would also be awesome as it will let me know if I should continue or not. So please review I'd really appreciate it. :)


Prologue

I sobbed as the invisible string that tied us together quivered, threatening to snap at any moment. My body was twisted in the twigs. The tips snapped and clawed at my skin. I sucked in a deep breath trying to sustain myself, but my lungs rejected oxygen. I doubled over feeling the pain intensify in my chest. It felt raw and excruciating. And finally, I broke down.

Nothing compared to the agony that harbored inside and it spilled through my eyes like fire, rolling down my cheeks. Gasps and screams escaped my throat. Awful sounds I couldn't recognize as my own.

My mind couldn't escape the horror. And then, something amazing happened.

'Paul.' It was her.

But her voice only made me fall further. I closed my burning eyes. Trying to shut out the horrible images, I sorted through my memories. I wanted to hear her. I needed to see her. I needed to escape-desperately.

So I imagined her. I turned my head-

-and I smiled. She lay beside me tangled in the bed sheets. I moved closer, burying my face in the crook of her neck. I planted kisses here and there, tasting her skin. She sighed pleasantly in response and tangled her hand in my hair, caressing me tenderly.

She smiled at me. I couldn't peel my eyes away from the love that swam in her eyes. Then they softened with concern. 'What's wrong?' She asked with a finger stroking my cheek.

I grabbed her hand, using my lips to caress her knuckles. One by one, I kissed each finger and lastly on the wrist, atop the black feather tattooed on her skin. I lingered there where I could hear her pulse beating erratically and I swear I could see the feather stirring as if it were descending...

'Paul…?' Her voice came out in a whisper, almost breathlessly and anxious for my reply.

"I had a nightmare…" I felt the tremor of agony ripple inside me as the words left my mouth and as if sensing it, she pulled me to her so I nestled against her chest. "It was terrible. You-I saw you-" I stammered unable to bring myself to say it. I didn't want to remember. "I want to forget…" I told her.

She switched positions, lying on top of me. She leaned forward and whispered in my ear, 'Let me help you forget…'

Her hair cascaded around us like a curtain, shutting the outside world. It was just the two of us. I embraced her as she kissed me. Our lips moved in sync. She ran her tongue along my bottom lip and I shuddered beneath her. It was electrifying. Kissing her was heaven. Her hands cupped my face deepening our kiss.

She pulled away, leaving my lips swollen and wanting more. Oh, I wanted so much more. I must've looked so deeply enticed because she began to chuckle lightly. I grinned, "What?" I loved hearing her laugh. She shook her head bashfully, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Aargh!" I tackled her placing my body over hers instead. I planted kisses all over her. She squealed delightfully, her arms secured around my neck. Our laughter filled the room in notes of pure joy-

And I returned to the surface. The laughter echoed in my head until the wind came and swept it away. I went completely numb inside. My tears fell in silent streams of despair as I looked up to the ashen sky.

What was left to live for?