"What are you?" I manage to squeak out, body limp.
Again, he sighs. "I am the Veil between Worlds, The Withering, A Harbinger of the Final Silence, Athanasius Necrothys, is what humans were fond of calling me." Setting me down on my feet, he continues. "I am a primordial of this world and the next. Darkness is my home, death is my breath, and you—" He glances at me. "Rabbit, are my avatar to usher in a reign of shadow. My guide and priestess until I can assume my true form."
What the hell have I got myself into? Orlaya was right! I play around too much. "My name is Ione." I whisper.
Athanasius Necrothys, because I'm not saying that long ass title, chuckles. "I do not give a fuck."
Something about that itches my brain. The little self preservation I did have is now gone. "Fine, Athy." The lower set of eyes roll in his face. Disgusting. "I'm not saying that whole shebang."
I should have known that would touch a sore spot because the speed at which he crowds my space is astronomical. "Kneel."
"No, than—"
Too late! I'm on my knees, face pressed to the ground in front of his feet. "You talk a lot, normally, I can ignore such things, but there's something defiant about you. Despite the fact that you're teetering between hysteria and rebelliousness."
"Let me up!" I feel like gravity is weighing down me. Pressing my form into the hardwood. "Let me go."
"Let us," He crouches in front of me. "Get something straight first, do you understand me, rabbit?"
I don't have much of a choice and it seems he takes my silence for obedience.
"You placed my symbol on your finger. We are bound, you will serve me. You know my name and what I am. I expect obedience, am I understood?"
I can feel my fingers, slowly, I can move and Athy (I refuse to say the whole thing) reaches forward and helps me into a sitting position. "I can be a merciful deity, or I can rule you like a god," He smiles, his upper eyes are focused on mine and the lower set linger on my mouth. "An angry god, the choice is yours, but in everything else, Ione, you have no say."
And that's how I found myself sitting at my dinner table watching Athy tear through roasted chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, rolls, and swallow a whole gallon of sweet tea in one gulp. He doesn't speak, and if he's a primordial why does he need to eat? Questions are burning inside of me. He finally finishes, wiping his mouth on one of his right arms. His tongue moves over his teeth, and he sits back in the chair that I'm surprised is holding him.
"Clear the table, rabbit."
Narrowing my eyes, I sigh heavily. "My name is Ione. Ione Phaedra Davis. I've never had a nickname, so Ione it is. Why do you keep callingme rabbit?"
"Because you are. Humans are prey animals who pretend to be predators in the right circumstances. You breed and infest this earth with your numbers. Rabbits." He repeats. "Lucky for you to be in my service, a pampered bunny." Rolling my eyes earns a growl. "Do not sass me."
"Don't get sassed."
"Clear the table," Athy repeats. "Your listening skills are atrocious."
"I'm going to clear it because I have to, not because you're asking me to." Grabbing the dishes, I stop and stare at his face. Which pair of eyes do I look at? My gaze goes up and down and I realize he's following my gaze.
"Just pick a pair and look at those, fuck, what is wrong with you humans?" He snaps. "You dare to look at me in my face, that's bad enough."
"I didn't know I couldn't do that." I reply sneering.
"Ignorance is an excuse for children," He reaches forward poking my breast. "I can tell you are an adult."
Taking a step back, I can feel my face reddening. "If you don't want this plate smashed on your head, I suggest you rethink where you put your hands."
Athanasius laughs in my face. "You belong to me, rabbit, I do as I please," His voice lowers as his gaze darkens. "With all of you."
A shiver runs down my spine watching him lick his lips. It's best for me to change the subject. "Why do you need to eat?"
"Questions, I hate mundane questions." He relaxes his cheek against his fist. "I have been bored however, this might entertain me."
Oh goody. I expected myself to be more up in arms or afraid of what's happening here, but I feel calm. "Please do."
"I don't need to, but in this form, it's a pleasure and sates my cravings." As I reach for another plate, he adjusts his position. "Where did you find my ring?"
"In the dirt," I sigh. "I was digging a hole to plant a tree, found a box, put on the ring as a joke, tale as old as time."
