'Twas a dreary night. I had failed in my attempt at reading. Books were usually my escape from this cursed tower. In them, I could roam the forests of distant lands or sail across the raging sea. But that night, my mind refused such dreams. So I left the confines of my study when the winged clock struck eleven. Its heavy chimes made the walls tremble as they echoed throughout the chamber.

By the time it was on the sixth chime, I was standing on the balcony. Warm summer air filled my lungs as my eyes searched the dark vale below. A hazy crescent moon shone from behind gloomy clouds that blanketed the sky. Far below the tower, a Golden Owl flew through the air. Each flap of its wings left streaks of light above the shadowy void. How I envied its freedom to soar and to go wherever it pleased. I longed to see my kingdom—to see the world. I would give anything to be free.

Suddenly, a fierce gale began to blow, and the smell of rain saturated the air. A single droplet fell on my brow just before the downpour began. Closing my eyes, I let the rain beat down upon me. I imagined I was standing beneath the flow of a mighty waterfall. But the roar of thunder awakened me from my dream, chasing me back into my cell.

Being soaked to the bone, I disrobed and wrapped a towel around my waist while looking for something dry to wear. As I searched, the flames from the crystal candelabrum changed from yellow to indigo, casting the room in an eerie glow. My breath began to frost in the air as the temperature fell. Then a sweet voice whispered, "Octavio."

"Who calls me?" my eyes scanned the room until I made out a delicate-looking silhouette in the far corner.

"Blanca, my Prince," she replied.

"Forgive me, but I do not know you."

"But I know you. Long have I watched you and heard the thoughts of your mind."

"Show yourself!" I demanded.

Her breath was suddenly upon my neck, "turn around," she whispered.

Chills ran through my body as I turned to face her. And there, mere inches from my face was a beautiful, pale-skinned woman with icy-blue eyes.

"Do you like what you behold, Majesty?"

I shivered, "I do."

Smiling, she ran her fingers across my shoulder and rested her hand upon my bare chest. "Now then, strong Prince, would you still give anything to be free?"

I nodded.

Her hands ran down to my waist, loosening the towel.

She whispered, "Say you want me to set you free."

Twenty-one years of captivity could end with a single phrase. So I uttered the words. A sharp pain shot through my neck as her fangs sank in; I bit my lip. Never again would I see the sun for I am hers and she is mine. Was my soul too high a price to pay for freedom?