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I didn't get this to her in time, because Yuletide Madness was, literally, madness and I was very random. Still, SullenSiren is my awesome beta most of the time, and she rocks.
None of them could ever know how painful it was to be trapped here; to know that I would never feel the pleasure of love given freely. I took what I needed for satisfaction, of course: from the souls and bodies within my grasp, from those who could not escape me. Some were entertaining, some pleasurable, most were willing; all were welcome distractions for a time.
It was never enough.
Then, of course, I saw her. That one bright and beautiful. That one once in a lifetime. That one young goddess, made of spring. My callous, too-long-wearied heart ripped open wide for the first time. In that moment I knew that there was but one option. I took my love and held it in the only way possible. The only way that I could.
My brother, of course, tried to convince me to give back, give up my love. Ordered me to give up my love, playing the hypocritical, dutiful king at his post to avoid chaos and save his precious entertainment. He told me that he understood what I was feeling, but of course he never had. Love is given freely to him, and even when it is not there is nothing the great Cloud Gatherer has ever felt the need to apologize for. Not so for me. To the grim one chosen to rule over death all is cold, and I would never have my brother's sleek boys and plump, beautiful girls. Until I saw Persephone, I had never really envied him.
I could have her, though. She was mine completely. She wandered like a lost child until I found her and gave her a purpose, and no one will take her from me. Not as long as she does what she must. If she gives in, not to me, but to herself.
Hunger is such a strong ally. Such power in such little seeds.