"It's not fair." Tears slid down an angel's face, delicate features trimmed red by emotion.
A shuddering gasp was drawn into weak lungs, dulled eyes looking at the woman as his heart broke. A trembling hand lifted to her face, brushing those tears away gently. "You have well learned nothing in this life is fair." His voice was a hoarse whisper that he had to strain to hear. "You must be strong my little love."
A coughing fit wracked his body, contorting his handsome face into a mask of pain. Nurses came running, pushing buttons and administering more medication through the IV's connected to his arms. The respirator was checked on and when all was determined to be back under control, they left the terrified girl alone with the dying man in the room. There was nothing left to do but keep him comfortable now.
"Please, you just cannot die." Her voice broke and she fell against the bed sobbing.
"Listen to me." His voice remained a whisper, but hinted at the strength he had once possessed. "This is very important." He blinked slowly, senses dulled severely by the drugs dripping into his body. "I have made arrangements for you, a new home once I pass on. Your new Master should arrive soon and you are to submit to him when he walks in the door." His unsteady fingers traced the velvet choker about her throat, the sparkling diamond stud decorating the center of the piece. "You may keep my collar, but never wear it again. Take it off."
"No, please don't make me!" She could not even think of such a thing but looking at him, the stern look in his faded blue eyes, she could not disobey him now. "Who am I to go to?"
"You will call him Master, that is all you need to know."
The velvet slid from her slender neck as a new onset of tears slid down her cheeks. She clutched it in her trembling hand and squeezed his.
"Please don't leave me, Master."
The door slid open silently to admit an imposing figure. Not a doctor this time, shaded eyes searched the scene within. It was a bit disheartening to see he had arrived too late to bid his farewell to the man in the bed. Though they had been friends since birth, he had not seen his friend in nearly ten years. Her head on his chest, the female they had so often talked of was crying over her loss. Emotion was tucked neatly behind a wall of indifference, something he had done so often not even death could shatter his control. Confident strides carried him the distance to the suffering girl and he laid a hand on her shoulder lightly. He felt her jump in surprise as she turned to look into his stern face.
She stared in shock at the man towering over her. Attired in black, she envisioned light being swallowed up by his body. Smooth black pants and a black silk shirt were shrouded by a long trench coat that reached his ankles, feet encased in large black boots. Even his hair was black, devoid of any shade of color and pulled into a ponytail at the back of his neck. Dark brows were lowered as she was studied beneath a brilliant blue gaze, a surprising shock of azure offsetting his dark countenance but did nothing to soften it. She cowered under his stare.
"Tyla, it is a pleasure to meet you at last." His voice was a deep baritone, melodious and strong.
She had no name to put to his face and felt her cheeks burn. "You are the one my Master told me of?"
A gentle finger touched her chin, lifting her face so he could stare into her fearful violet gaze. "I am your Master and I have come for you." His glance found the bit of velvet in her hand and he snatched it from her grip. "What is this?"
