In the Hand of Darkness

by April29Roses

Morgana sets a trap for Arthur, but Merlin pays the price, revealing his magic in the process. Caught in a torturous spell, Merlin struggles to live while Arthur deals with his feelings of betrayal and the looming threat of another attack by Morgana. This is a reveal/whump story, set a few weeks after Season 4; told from a double point of view. No slash.

6. Tenacity: Merlin

Chapter Three

Tenacity: Merlin

The burning darkness held him fast, diminished, but still fierce in it's domination. He tried to breathe, but the heat and the fire surged through him, stealing his resolve. He could hear Arthur's voice.

He sounded unaccountably sad. Pain shot through him: it shivered along his magic calling him back into the agony of his body. Arthur was struggling with words now, his voice strangled and almost desperate. He seemed angry at Merlin's lies, but there was no mistaking the pleading in Arthur's voice. Then to his utter shock, he felt himself sucked into another feeling that was tormenting Arthur.

Despair. It sang to him darkly, but it was not a word he associated with his king. But here it was, eating at his heart, burning him with a agony that wracked him with an endless fire, like his own torture. It was as if the darkness that burned him had reached out to Arthur,captured him and tortured him alongside Merlin. That was wrong, he told himself. It had to stop.

It was and betrayal tore at his friend, confusion ripped him into uncertain memories and questions. He realized Arthur was crying. It ravaged his heart. It shocked him to the center of his being.

Hoping his body would work, Merlin concentrated on moving his hand. Arthur was shaking now, unaware of anything but the torrent of his emotion. Merlin couldn't find the strength to call out. He tried to open his eyes, and they cracked open. His fingers spasmed with the effort as they withdrew from Arthur's grip. He touched Arthur's head almost tentatively. Softly, he ruffled the king's hair, his hand coming to rest, twined in his friend's golden hair. It was all he could offer.

He heard Arthur call his name. He couldn't answer but he held on to Arthur's voice. He held on with all the strength in his heart. Exhausted, he faded into the confines of their connection. Arthur had not left him alone in the torturous dark. Arthur was by his side. No matter what Arthur might say, his action meant more than any declaration. Almost afraid to believe in Arthur's presence, the joy it gave him raised his strength to bear the burning of Morgana's spell. He could last a bit longer.