The Bargain

It all began with an innocent young girl and her dream of creating a stable environment for her and her brother to grow up in. Ever since her mother had passed away, it had always been up to her, the eldest, to take care of them. But it was hard. Work was scarce for a woman, especially for one of her age at the time. Her brother was nowhere near the age to be taking up work. With no options and time running out, she eventually lost the house to a family that had long been craving the land it sat upon. From there, her path trailed deep into the life of crime. What choice did she have? She and her brother had to eat. It began with stealing food. Then coin. Sometimes even animals to sell or use. She even found herself working for a thieves guild for a couple of years. But she was not satisfied. This is not the life she had wanted for her brother or herself. One night, she shouted angrily toward the sky. Her soul had broken. No hope was left to guide her onward. To lose such hope is a dangerous thing to do. The barrier between worlds is thin and sometimes, things can get through. And something did that night. It had heard her cry, her desperate plea for aid . . . and it saw opportunity: A chance to feed off the weak. While she lay there on the side of a dirt road, far away from camp where her brother lay sleeping, a dreadful creature appeared from the darkness.
"Why do you cry, young one?" It's deep voice echoed. Confused and afraid, the girl peered around frantically only to spot the horrid beast standing before her.
"Have you come for me, Demon?" She asked between sobs. The Demon shook its head and knelt at her side, a disturbing hand resting on her shoulder.
"I have come to help you." It replied. "Any wish you want, you shall receive with my blessing." His voice almost sounded as if was coming from locations other than where it was located. After a long pause, the girl looked up into the Demon's eyes. It was done. The deal had been made. The bargain was sealed. She had gotten greedy. She wished for power, health, safety, food, shelter, wealth . . . the list was endless. However, the Demon did not flinch at a mention of any of these. It took only a few days, but somehow . . . the demon had not lied. Not even 2 days later, all her dreams came true and more. The King spotted her that day in the town square and decided to take her into his own family, stating that "she was an angel he could not allow to live in such conditions." Unable to bear children of his own, he named her as his successor in the years to come. Life was good to her and her brother for the next six years. She was much older now, more mature, and her beauty had reached its prime. Her task was complete. Her brother was happy in life, and so was she. As she went about her life as a princess, she often thought about her encounter with the Demon. Had it just been a dream? He had said that he would return one day, but she was starting to think he would never show and she was grateful for it. That is, until the six years passed. One day as she strolled alone, the Demon appeared in front of her. She stopped instantly and stared the beast down. Without a word, he approached. He once again wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her near.
"It appears life has been treating you well, young one." He stated in an eerie tone.
"Y....Yes. It has. All thanks to you..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say. She was so young when she had last spoken to the beast.
"You must know why I am here." He said. She shook her head frighteningly.
"No gift is free, dear child. It is time for my payment." Her eyes widened with fear. In what way did he expect payment? As she desperately tried to recall her conversation with the Demon as a child, the answer finally came back to her. The Demon required a life. It mattered not who's life it was, only as long as it was someone close to her. But she was the one who would have to pick.

Who does she pick?

A. Her brother
B. The King who so generously took her in and had since become her father figure.
C. The man she loved and was planning on marrying.
D. Offer herself

You pick fans >

Oh, and tell me if you liked this render/story