Flash Fiction

Crossroads

Competition Notes ▼

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon

298/300 word - 3 word prompt

"It's simple,” Arwen’s deep, baritone voice rumbles as he regards his quarry. “To get out of here alive, you just have to answer my question.”

Helena pauses, titling her head gently to the side. The wraith-like figure before her can’t be trusted. None of them can. But he is her only option.

"That's it? Just one question?"

“Of course. What did you expect? he replies. “Though… you must answer honestly. Lie, and you’ll forfeit your soul.” He steps forward, lifting his hand to slowly trace the outline of her ridged form. Only inches separating their skin; fire and ice. He follows the movement with his pitch-black eyes and his gaze flicks sharply to meet hers. “And it’s such a pretty little thing.”

She steps back and takes a deep breath to steady her frantically beating heart. "Is this a trick?”

Arwen raises an eyebrow, "I swear on my honour as a demon!"

Helena snorts and shakes her head, "Do demons even have honour?"

"Of course. A deal without honour is meaningless,” he replies and rolls his eyes.

“What do you want to know?” Helena sighs, resigned to her fate.

“In return for delivering your message,” he begins, his voice dropping to a whisper, “I want to know what has burrowed itself so deep within you that it’s begun to poison your very being.”

He raises a finger and prods gently at the air around her. She shivers at the movement. The sensation almost tangible.

“It’s my fault.” Her voice breaks and a tear breaks free and trails a line down her face. “She should be here… not me.”

“Ah, but Fate had other ideas Helena, and Fate must be heeded.” He pauses, before stepping back into the shadows. “I’ll take your message. But, don’t grace my crossroads again.”