The Dragon King's Heart

"Luxaven, you cannot escape forever," the lone figure called out to Margaret, "It is time for you to receive your punishment for what you've done."

Margaret looked over to him. She stood her ground.

"Take me to see the Soul Keeper. I wish to make a deal." Margaret said to the lone figure.

"A deal? Very well," the lone figure tapped his staff twice onto the ground. Sparks flew from where it touched the soil.

In the blink of an eye, Margaret and Marius were transported to an unknown location. When they finally got their bearings and looked around, all they could see were shelves upon shelves of glass bottles.

Curious as to what they were, Marius reached out his hand. Margaret swiped his hand away immediately.

"Don't touch it!" She warned him.

"Ah, Moira the Luxaven1. It's been a while," a deep voice greeted Margaret from down the hallway.

Margaret stiffened at the sound of the voice. She gulped as she cautiously walked up towards the source of the voice. Marius followed closely behind. As they got closer, they came to see an elderly man, dressed in a white buttoned shirt and a pair of suspenders.

In his hand was a glass bottle, identical to the ones on the shelves.

"Why can he pick up one when I can't?" Marius mumbled to himself.

Margaret rolled her eyes as she turned back to Marius, "That's because he's the Soul Keeper, you fool!"

"The Soul Keeper?" Marius echoed her words.

Then, it hit him. Marius realized where they were. They were in the Vault of Souls, the dwellings of the soul keeper. Each of the glass bottles on the shelves was a soul in the keeper's care.

"Soul Keeper, I am here to make a deal with you," Margaret declared with confidence.

Though her confidence was fleeting, she was determined to hold on to it for as long as she could. The Soul Keeper looked over to Margaret and studied her expression for a moment.

"A soul for a soul, Moira. Are you ready to pay the price of your actions?" The Soul Keeper asked her as he placed a glass bottle onto the shelf in front of him.

She wished she had more time with Laina, but Margaret knew this day would come.

In order to bring Laina back, Margaret came to the Vault of Souls in secret. She took Laina's soul without permission and escaped straight to the Mortal Realm. There, she found a suitable vessel for her soul and brought her back to life.

Margaret knew the price she had to pay. She was about to agree to it without any hesitation. But for some reason, she paused. She hesitated. If she was gone, what about Marius?

Margaret shook her head, she was about to reply to the Soul Keeper after her short pause when Marius grabbed hold of her by her shoulders. He spun her around. His eyes were filled with worry, confusion, and sadness.

"Moira, what is going on? A soul for a soul? What sort of deal are you making with the Soul Keeper?" Marius asked.

He desperately needed answers.

She hesitated to tell him the truth. But it served no purpose to lie to him.

"Moira here took a soul without permission from the Vault. The price of such a crime is simple. A soul for a soul. Either return the soul that was taken, or pay the price," the Soul Keeper explained.

"Took a soul? Well, then all we need to do is return the one that was taken, right? Whose soul is it?" He asked her.

The moment their eyes met, it dawned on Marius. He began to put the pieces together.

"Laina… it's Laina, isn't it?" Marius muttered.

Margaret looked down, nodding slowly.

"Soul Keeper, I will take-"

"I will take her place."

Margaret turned back, shocked by Marius's interjection.

"Are you mad? Do you know what this means?!" Margaret exclaimed in shock as she shook Marius by the shoulders.

"I know, Moira, I know," Marius replied with a soft smile as he placed his hand on hers.

She shook her head, "No… no… Marius I can't let you do this! You can't do this! Why are you doing this? Why are you doing this for me?"

Marius chuckled as he cupped her cheek. He gently brushed his thumb against her face.

"Because I love you, Moira." Marius declared as he leaned in for a kiss.

Margaret blushed beet red as their lips touched. Marius cupped her face in both of his hands. She closed her eyes and parted her lips as they deepened their kiss. Her heart was palpitating in her chest, she could almost hear it ringing in her ears.

For Marius, the world stood still at that moment. All he could think of was Margaret and nothing else. He had been holding back for so long, hoping she would notice. But he could not hold it back any longer.

He had to show her how much he loved her before it was too late. They were in a world of their own, sharing an intimate moment. Just the two of them.

When they finally parted lips, Margaret opened her eyes slowly. She gazed lovingly into Marius's eyes. Has he always looked so suave and handsome?

She reached up to caress his cheek, "I can't let you do this, Marius. It's not fair to you."

"Then how is it fair to you either?" Marius protested, "If you insist on paying with your own soul, then let me take your place. Laina needs you."

She shook her head, "No, no… I will never live with myself knowing that you've sacrificed your soul for me. I can't, Marius. I can't."

"Perhaps an alternative solution might be in order," the Soul Keeper suggested, attracting both of their attention.

He walked over to them and looked towards Moira.

"A trade is all I ask for, Moira the Luxaven. A trade that is of equal value." He explained, "Or as close as it can be."

Margaret pondered deep in thought for a moment.

"I offer to trade away my magic. Would that be a fair trade?"