Flesh and Bone

The mirror showed a reflection that wasn't my own. What looked back at me was just flesh and bone. I shuddered in fear as I saw my inside, not ready to admit I have run out of time.

"Don't take me!" I yelled, "This can't be the end!"

Came a low rasping voice-

"Come with me, my friend."

As I turned to run, my body was still. Trapped in myself, unable to move at my will. My eyes could still move to gaze in the mirror. And that low rasping voice is all I could hear.

"Step forward, my son, and all will be fine. Step forward now, and you will be mine!"

A hand from the side now, I watched as it grasped. Its long nails and fingers digging in while I gasped. The creature could only be seen in the mirror. But I felt every nail dig as if he were here.

My body, still frozen in place, I regret. Inched closer to the mirror to pay off my debt. Nose to nose with the reflected version of me. About to be taken, enslaved for eternity.

SLAM she comes running, door crashing into the wall. My partner, my wife, incantation and all. She yells out the words, carefully crafted and spoken. The spell gave me more time, the hold on me- temporarily broken.

"RUN!" she then yelled. "Let's go- come on!"

My throat burning hot as I tried to respond.

We ran from the room, together as one. We didn't stop running 'til we felt the sun. The dawn was now breaking, daylight in our view. We caught our breath outside, amongst the morning dew.

She looked at me sternly as I reclaimed my voice. Not happy with what I had done- with my choice. For ten years ago, I made an unbreakable deal. To save her life, I traded my soul to steal.

I watched her lay in the hospital bed small and frail. This could not be- was not- the end of our tale. I ran to the crossroads of luck, fortune, and lore. And conjured he to whom my soul I'd swore.

He gave me ten year's time to retrieve. But when she found what I'd done- she could not believe. For years we have searched for a different route. But it's time to collect- my time has run out.

We've visited enchanters and healers world wide. But none an answer, could they provide. I all but gave up on our search for the cure. My wife, on the other hand, was confidently sure. That we could escape the grasp of this pact. Just a little more time- we are on the right track.

"I've almost got it- the invocation to release."

She said with focus-

"Hold the page open here, please."

I fear it's too late, but I silently hold. For I am not destined to ever grow old. She's trying to translate, to transfer the magic. I never intended for our love to be tragic.

In any surface that reflects, he can find his way in. I have to be careful that I don't look therein. She's trying so hard in my final hour. I don't want to tell her he has all the power.

She suddenly stood still, no movement, just focus. Maybe this really is more than a bunch of hocus pocus. Her eyes met with mine as her tears welled up fast.

"I think I got it...I got it at last!"

We held one another for what felt like forever. No matter what happens, our love will not sever. Then slowly, but surely we walked towards the door. To go back inside to try this once more.

The spell only works as he's collecting what's due. While he's using the mirror to pull my soul through. She must mutter the words, in perfect connotation. Hopefully this ends with both our elation.

I stand at the mirror, not wanting to admit my defeat. Inside I want to run- want to retreat. My wife stands beside me, tears staining her cheek. Both of us too scared and nervous to speak.

It doesn't take long for my face to go black. That lacking-skin flesh and bone body is back. It's me in the future, my form once I'm dead . Can't imagine the suffering looming ahead.

My body now frozen, like it had before. I see his hand coming, I know what's in store. He burrows his long nails down deep, slow and steady. My wife waiting to speak until he is ready.

His form in full view now- we wait for the cue. He is every nightmare ever had coming true. The teeth, the nails, the eyes, and the skin. Once seen, you'd never sleep peaceful again.

He opens his mouth, a snarled lip with fangs showing. Takes in a deep breath, to collect what I'm owing. The air leaves me fast as he sucks with full pressure. My wife takes one last glance at the words for good measure.

She watches as strands of my soul leave my skin. Can't start 'til she knows he is far enough in. Weaker I feel as time does elapse. My body feels like it's about to collapse.

As I lose my senses and fog clouds my mind. I watch as he starts closing his eyes. I've just about given all that I can. When my wife started chanting while holding my hand.

She stared down that demon, with power and might. Determined she was, to not lose this fight. Now yelling, she spit out the reverse invocation. To send him away- to stop this invasion.

Slowly, but surely, his grasp did release. Air filled my lungs- once again breathing with ease. No longer frozen, I joined in reciting. The more words we read, the less he was fighting.

CRACK went the mirror as he yelled out in pain. The incantation worked- for he has been slain. The mirror frame caught flame as a fire broke out. The deal has been broken- there's surely no doubt.

We ran from the house, but this time with glee. For the rest of our lives, we can live together, happily.