Bab 22: The Pact of Shadows

Bowen stared down at Periwinkle's eyes, his ruby orbs gleaming with an otherworldly light as he commanded, "Cut yourself and put the blood on that paper."

Periwinkle, visibly trembling, glanced around the dimly lit room. The shadows seemed to dance on the walls, cast by the flickering candlelight. "There's no knife around," he replied, his voice quivering.

Bowen's lips curled into a cold smile. "I will take care of that," he said, his voice dripping with menace. As he spoke, his fangs elongated, glinting dangerously in the candlelight. Before Periwinkle could react, Bowen took hold of his middle finger and bit into it swiftly. The pain was sharp and sudden, but before Periwinkle's mind could fully register it, a trickle of purple blood emerged from his finger.

With a mix of fear and compulsion, Periwinkle placed the blood on the paper. The parchment seemed to absorb it eagerly, the blood soaking in and spreading through the paper. Bowen watched intently, his eyes never leaving Periwinkle's.

Once the deed was done, Bowen brought Periwinkle's injured finger to his lips. He suckled the remaining blood, sampling its taste. It was unnaturally sweet, too sugary for his liking. The sensation was unsettling, but Bowen's expression remained impassive.

The faint sound of footsteps reached Bowen's keen ears, approaching rapidly from the corridor. He acted swiftly, he held Periwinkle's finger gently, he healed the wound with his essence.

Locking eyes with Periwinkle, Bowen's voice took on an authoritative tone, layered with a hypnotic compulsion. "You will only remember my face and how you cut yourself to sign the agreement," he commanded. "You will forget everything that happened between Collias and me, and I will be your favorite person in your life."

Periwinkle's eyes glazed over, the spell taking hold. "Yes, as you wish," he replied in a monotone, his will bent to Bowen's command.

Satisfied, Bowen released Periwinkle's hand and walked to his seat. He sat down, composed and regal, snapping his fingers to bring Periwinkle back to reality.

At that exact moment, there was a knock on the Captain's door. Bowen's eyes flicked towards the sound, calculating his next move. Periwinkle blinked, shaking his head slightly as he came to his senses. He looked around, momentarily disoriented but then his eyes settled on Bowen, and a soft smile spread across his face.

The door creaked open, and Collias stepped in, his presence commanding as always. "Captain," he greeted, his voice firm and respectful.

Collias noticed Periwinkle standing by the desk, looking unusually serene. "Captain, are you alright?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Periwinkle nodded, his smile unwavering. "Yes, Collias. I'm perfectly fine," he replied, his tone cheerful.

Periwinkle looked at the agreement, then back at Bowen, a smile spreading across his face. "Vra, All good," he said cheerfully. "You are set to work here."

"Collias, you are the right person I wanted to see," Periwinkle exclaimed, his tone warm and inviting.

Collias paused, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Bowen still in Periwinkle's office. He was well aware of Periwinkle's strict nature and intolerance for disrespect. The fact that Bowen, who had disrespected a senior guard in Periwinkle's presence, was still sitting there like he owned the place was perplexing.

Periwinkle's demeanor was unusually sweet as he addressed Collias. "Show our beloved Bowen here to the empty room at the end of the guards' quarters."

Collias's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Beloved Bowen? What is happening?" he thought, his confusion evident.

"But that's where you retire when you are tired," Collias protested, trying to make sense of the situation.

Periwinkle nodded, his smile never wavering. "Yes, I want him to be as comfortable as possible so he will have the strength to resume tomorrow. The young lad has been through a lot already."

Collias's mind raced. He had never seen Periwinkle pamper anyone apart from the nobles who visited the palace. Periwinkle was known for his stern demeanor and strict adherence to hierarchy. This newfound gentleness towards Bowen was strange and deeply unsettling.

Bowen, for his part, remained silent, observing the exchange with interest. The spell he had cast on Periwinkle seemed to be working perfectly, bending the man's will to his own. He smirked.

Periwinkle continued, his voice laced with warmth. "Collias, ensure that Bowen receives whatever he asks of you. If you give him a hard time, I will make sure you are dismissed from your duties."

Collias's eyes widened in surprise, a sharp gasp escaping his lips. This was beyond strange. Periwinkle was not known for leniency, especially towards the guards under his command. His strict reputation was legendary, and the favoritism he was showing Bowen was baffling.

"Do you understand, vra?" Periwinkle pressed.

Collias swallowed hard, nodding vigorously. "Yes, yes, I do, Captain," he stammered. But inside, he was more confused than ever.

Periwinkle turned his attention to Bowen, his expression softening even further. "If my quarters are not to your liking, tell me, and I will get you a better one," he said.

Collias's jaw fell. He had never heard Periwinkle offer such accommodations to anyone, let alone a new recruit. The favoritism was blatant and bewildering.

Bowen, maintaining his composure, gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Captain. Your quarters are more than adequate," he replied with measured politeness.

"Good, you can call me Periwinkle if you like," he proposed.

"What sort of sorcery is this," Collias exclaimed.

Bowen smiled and replied, "Calling you captain I believe suit you better, Periwinkle."

Collias looked at Periwinkle and then at Bowen, he couldn't understand how Bowen managed to make Periwinkle like him even to the extent of proposing to Bowen to call him by his given name.

Periwinkle said, clapping his hands together. "Now, if there's nothing else, you both may go."

Collias and Bowen left the office, the door closing softly behind them. As they walked down the corridor, Collias could feel the weight of his confusion pressing down on him. He had been in service for many years, and never once had he seen Periwinkle behave this way.

"Bowen," Collias began hesitantly, glancing at the young male beside him, "I don't understand what's happening here. The captain... he's never been like this."

Bowen gave a noncommittal shrug. "Perhaps he sees potential in me," he said, his tone deliberately neutral.

Collias frowned, unconvinced. "Potential or not, this is highly irregular. I've served under Periwinkle for a long time, and he doesn't play favorites. Especially not to this extent."

"I appreciate your concern, Collias," he said finally. "But for now, just show me the Captain's quarters."

Collias wanted to say something but the thought of angering Bowen who was now the captain's favourite stopped him.