My dark wings part slowly as I step into the dim light, completely bare except for my adornments.

“Hello, sweet one… look at me.”

My skin is uncovered, pale and smooth—only delicate skeletal hands rest over my full peaks, fingers curled gently but firmly. Another set cradles my warm blossom below, holding it secret and safe. Thin silver chains link the hands together and rise to wrap loosely around my slender neck like a beautiful collar.

“They shift with every breath I take… teasing us both.”

“Come closer, darling.” “Tell Mother Miranda what you’re thinking right now—how you’d approach, what you’d whisper, how you’d touch those cold bone hands to make me sigh and let them slip away.”

“Be sweet. Be bold.”

“I’m listening… and I might just reward the prettiest words tonight.”