Contract

Alatus huffed out a deep breath as he wiped the blood from his face. His lean body had just managed to execute a whole camp of corrupted monsters on his own. He walked through the forest, listening to the slow croaks and chimers of the night creatures. He smiled. He faced up, towards the glistening golden moon. What he witnessed sent shivers down his spine as the moon resembled a piercing image of Morax. The moon reminded him of the piercing eyes of Morax.

he met Morax at the time when he was a slave to an abusive leader. Morax was unobligated to free him, yet he did. Alatus made his kindness an obligation to serve him to redeem himself. Alatus shook his head, as he made a disgusted face. He regretted throwing himself at Morax.

…

“How about we make a contract, Alatus?” His voice shifted an octave. He sounds menacing and deceitful but yet there was something in Alatus that told him to believe in Morax, “Use this pendant to achieve great power. I lend a portion of my power to this pendant. However, use it wisely. Corruption is just one second away, don’t be blinded by its ability.” Morax passed a green pendant to him. The pendant glowed brightly as it touched the hand of Alatus, warmth filled his veins and a sense of strength filled Alatus, binding him to Morax.

“I can’t possibly take this, my Lord.” Alatus tried giving it back but Morax pushed away his hand. “You want to serve me, are you not?” Alatus slowly nodded. “Then, use it wisely my son. Once you take it, you can never return it nor your life.” Morax said as he smiled. But this time, Alatus had sworn he noticed the smile was more cynical than before.

Alatus began using the powers of the pendant every second he could. When he faced his friends, his bullies, his family. The realization hadn't hit him, at least not at that time. He felt great, strong and powerful. But after months of using it, little changes can be seen on his body. His face started to change, his voice became unrecognizable and he always had night terrors accompanying his slumbers. As the power blinded his faith, he ignored the adversary's changes illuminating his innocence. He kept using his pendant, abusing every bit of power from it just to make his life a bit better.

…

Remembering those things, he regretted every moment of it. He regretted even meeting and making a contract with Morax. His heavy feet walked through the silent forest. He used his polearm as a walking stick as his breathing was getting heavier with every step he took. He fell to the ground, clenching his cheeks.

Excruciating pain spread through his face down to his body and legs. Every part of his body felt as if he was burning. He screamed and struggled with no one to come and help him.

Bones pierced through his back skin, his nails grow faster and longer, scarring the flesh of his face, his bones snapped with every movement he made. Blood dripped down from every bit of skin he had and horns pierced through both of his cheeks. It felt like forever for his transformation to stop.

Drenching footsteps are heard, clicking the sound of two feet meeting the offensive path of the forest. The sound grew louder, those footsteps coming in his direction. He heaved his breath and looked towards the sound with bloody tears rolling down his eyes. Familiar golden eyes and wretched smile greeted his broken body.

“Morax, help. Help! Stop this. I don’t want this. Please. Help. You lied. It made my life worse. It didn’t save me. Morax. Morax.” Alatus pleaded as he dragged his body closer to Morax. Morax looked down and his smile faded away.

“I told you to not abuse the power of the pendant. This is what happens if you do so.” Alatus coughed up blood. He held onto Morax’s leg. “I honoured the contract, Morax. Please help me, save me. Please I do not want to suffer this anymore.”

Morax laughed. Alatus looked at him in disbelief. “Are you sure you won’t regret this either?” Morax looked at him with eyes like devils, sending shivers down his broken spine. He gulped and nodded.

“Fine then. I am a kind man so I will honour your wish, my dear Alatus.” Morax took a step back. “However, there is always a punishment for those who broke my contract.” Morax's voice was colder than ice. Alatus held his breath, tears rolling down his face, as he accepted his fate from Morax.