Blessing_O

Born with an unusual birthmark, the shape of a skeleton’s head with rose patterns round about it on her neck, many believed she would only bring bad luck to those around her. This belief was solidified when two of her suitors died unexpectedly right after a visit to her home.

Such a thing should come as a bother to any woman but the same could not be said about Nyx. She didn't care if the beliefs about her were true or false. She never liked any of her suitors. Her heart had always been longing for a certain man whom she was very familiar with in her childhood but ceased to appear before her the moment she entered adolescence.

Since she knew him one thing was very certain about him, he was not human since he never aged.  Not even once. Believing he would one day come again, Nyx was prepared to wait until the day they would meet again. 

But not everything goes as planned. Having a sickly mother whose only wish was to see her daughter get married and an influential suitor who didn't mind the deaths around her, Nyx soon found herself married off and her mother passed away leaving a father who dreaded her existence and a husband she never loved.

****

From a distance he watched her grow, keeping his distance from her, staying within the shadows. As she aged slowly into adulthood, the mark on her neck became more prominent and so was her scent. He wanted her to grow, but when she finally came of age, he thought she would be better without him. But as time wore on and other men began to show interest in her, he could not hold back nor could he let them have her.

He discarded those who had an interest in her but one of them slipped through his fingers while he was away and took her. He waited to see if she was happy with her life, with that man, if she was, then he would let her be. She would be able to live a happy life this time unlike the previous one, but everything changed when the forces from the underworld learned of her existence and her connection with him.

Her husband was killed which he permitted and her life was in constant danger. Keeping the distance was no longer an option and he once again appeared before her.

DEATH'S OWN

"I'll be leaving for the office tomorrow," Skye said, causing her heart to drop. She feared that her worst worries were about to come true.

"Skye…" Nyx turned to him, her eyes pleading for him to stay, but he offered her a gentle smile. He lifted her hand to his lips, kissed her palm, and then placed it against his cheek.

"It's alright. I'll be fine no matter what happens," he said softly, his tone suggesting he had accepted his fate. "Whether I live or die, it doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that you and Isa will be safe, regardless of what happens to me."

Nyx looked at him, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She wanted to speak but couldn't find the right words. Ultimately, she just stood there, staring at him.

49. How unsettling!