Disclaimer: Do not own so you not sue.

Path of Darkness

"Why?"

He whispered, shivering violently, kneeling in the snow as smoke dissipated into the cold, winter sky.

"Why?"

He looked at the lifeless bodies of his only family, empty violet eyes staring blindly. Then, suddenly, an anguished scream emerged from bloodless lips.

"WHY? WHY DID YOU LET THEM DIE LIKE THIS?"

Collapsing like a puppet with cut strings, he wept bitter, dry tears. Grief was fleeting as rage flooded the thin, slender body. It was a rage at those who dared destroy his happiness and at a goddess who had done nothing to save Her children. Then guilt followed, terrible gnawing guilt; he had not been there for his family and he had survived while they lay dead, littered around like ragged dolls.

"I'm sorry, Father, Sister. I'm sorry. I should've been here. I shouldn't have run away. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Whimpering quietly, he rocked, hugging his knees tightly to his chest. The guilt began to overwhelm his mind, making him irrational. For an instant, he contemplated following his family to the Havens, when a darker thought surfaced. The raiders. Fury filled him with energy, and now, all he could think of was revenge.

"I swear, Father. I'll send you a side party. I'll send you those raiders. I'll make them pay. I'll make them all pay. I swear....I swear by Blood and Darkness!"

And what will you give for your revenge?

He stood up in shock, as a dark midnight voice rang softly in his head. Warily, he looked around him, searching for the speaker.

Well, little one?

I'm going mad, he thought, wildly. It's the shock or, or the guilt. I'm hearing voices that aren't there. He began to giggle, softly, nearly hysterical. Of all the rotten luck, all alone with all he held dear gone, destroyed in fire and now he was going mad!

No, little one. Not mad. Then a dark yet soft presence filled his head, bringing to mind the safety of a mother's womb yet also the terrifying abyss of death. Well, little one? What will you give?

He laughed jaggedly as his madness whispered to him, but there was no hesitation.

"Anything!" he gasped.

Are you sure? You may not be willing to pay the price I demand. Yourself.

"ANYTHING!" He raised his head and screamed it to the wind, to his grief, and hate and the whisper of his own broken insanity. He just didn't care anymore.

Done! The triumph within the voice echoed loudly, causing darkness to rise and consume him. Before losing total consciousness, he felt a heavy object settle lightly on his chest. The last thing he heard was that darkly feminine voice carressing his mind, as a mother would comfort her sleeping child.

Now you are mine, little one.

Hi people! I started another story and I think this one will actually finish......but don't hold your breath....anyways I'll try to update as much as I can.

Thanks. Toodles!