Content warning: This is a short story featuring magical anatomy transformation and domination. I like to think it's a tale of a relationship breakdown with a happy end. If you're into that sort of thing, read on.
This excursion was turning out to be an absolute disaster. What had been intended as a respite from the burdens of everyday life had become a test of endurance. Beyond the confines of our dry rock cavern, a desert sandstorm raged. Unrelenting in its fury, we'd had to abandon our jeep outside. We only had enough supplies to last for a few days.
The boredom was getting to us. My roommate Jamie had grown taciturn. He was lying on his back near the campfire, no doubt brooding over our current predicament. How things had seemed so promising last week! Trekking in pure, untouched wilderness. Stargazing under a pristine night sky. A fulfilling, indeed, a restorative experience. That dream was shattered.
Billows of smoke from the fire were filling the cave with a nebulous haze. Truth be told I hadn't expected tempers to flare so quickly. Maybe it was old grievances reaching boiling point. Maybe our friendship had already been fraying long before we set off. Whatever the reason, this stressful situation had made things bubble over. Jamie and I were no longer on talking terms and both of us were firmly placing the blame on each other. It was hard to see our lives going back to normal after all that had been said.
Once the storm settled, we'd head straight home and thank the gods if we even made it out alive. We wouldn't speak of this train wreck or plan anything like it ever again. That was decided.
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Leaving Jamie to his ruminations, I turned away from the campsite and decided to inspect the cave yet again for the sake of preserving my sanity. Shining my torch in the many dark crevices dotted around, I spotted a glint of metal in the darkness. A hitherto hidden alcove became apparent as I ran my hand over the dry rock surface. Intrigued, I grasped the object by its handle and lifted it into the light.
A mysterious, smooth casing glittered in the light of my torch. Carved into it were three verses. The latter ones were hard to make out, but the first one read:
"Hold me firm and thou shalt be granted thy deepest desire."
I cast a furtive glance back at Jamie, still rummaging through his rucksack. My thoughts were racing. Normally I would have wanted to share the news of my find. But at that moment in time there was nothing I'd have liked more than to let my pent-up rage run amok.
"A relationship turned sour..."
An echo of a voice rang in my mind. I was stunned. My body refused to act.
"Amends must be made by means of conciliation."
My frame remained frozen in space; I felt my inner workings paralysed in sheer terror.
"If this is what you seek,"
the voice chimed melodically.
