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Vice still looking at Ivy, his eyes reflect the pain. "Take it," he says, his voice a mix of pain and anger.

The creature's grin widens, revealing its teeth. "Why?" it asks, a note of curiosity in its chilling voice. "Why would you give up something as powerful as you're soul for such a fragile, trivial creature?"

Vice's eyes flare with an intensity that could rival the sun. "Her name is Ivy," he says, his voice steady despite the grief that threatens to drown him.

“I don’t know how to be without her,” Vice whispered, shaking as he held her like the last piece of something sacred. “She wasn’t just my heart—she was the reason it kept beating.”

His voice cracked. “People say time heals. Fuck time. Fuck logic. I’ll trade every second I have left just to hear her breathe again. To hear her laugh. To feel her yell at me like she used to.”

He kissed her forehead with trembling lips. “I don’t care what it costs. My soul. My life. The whole goddamn world. I will not lose her. I can’t.”

The creature's smile turns predatory. "Very well then," it says. With a flick of its wrist, the creature conjures a contract, the pages made of human skin, the ink a viscous, black ooze that seems alive. It floats in front of Vice. The creature extends a skeletal hand to Vice.

With a trembling hand, Vice reaches up to grasp the creature's hand, his own skin seemingly sizzling as his skin makes contact. The creature's eyes flare with a triumphant glee as the deal was sealed, sending bolts of ice and fire coursing through his veins. A pulse of dark energy shoots through the air, a twisted echo of a heartbeat.

The creature then leans over Ivy, its breath like an icy grip that wraps around her form, sucking the very warmth from the air. The ground beneath them cracks and splinters, the very essence of life retreating from the creature's hand, flowing into Ivy. The air grows colder, and the sun seem to dim as the creature begins its dark work.

Vice watches, his heart racing, as the gaping wound on Ivy's stomach starts to knit itself back together, the flesh mending before his very eyes. The crimson blood that had soaked her shirt retreats into her body, leaving behind only a fading stain. Color returns to her cheeks, and the paleness of death is replaced by the rosy hue of life. Her eyes fly open wide, revealing the vibrant green he had missed so much.

The creature's foul breath recedes, and Ivy takes a deep, shuddering gasp, as if she had been holding her breath for an eternity. She looks at Vice with a mix of confusion and love for a moment, before her gaze darts to the creature with a frown. She turns back to him, her hand trembling as she reaches up to gently place it on his cheek. "What have you done?" she whispers, her voice weak but filled with concern.

The entity's smile grew wider, the shadows around it deepening. "It is done," it whispered, its voice like a serpent's hiss. "Your soul is mine. But know this—when you dragged her back from the grave, you bound her to me. She carries pieces of us both now… and when she breaks, it won’t be just you who burns.”

Vice didn't care about the consequences. All that mattered was that Ivy was alive. He cradled her in his arms, feeling her heart beating against his chest, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he allowed himself to breathe. Theshadowy figure dissipated into the night, leaving them alone amidst the carnage.

He knew the deal came with a cost. The weight of his soul felt heavier than ever before, a dark stain that threatened to consume him. But the warmth of Ivy's body in his arms was a beacon of light in the abyss that had become his existence. He whispered promises to her, vowing to protect her, to be a better man, even as he felt the chains of his new fate tightening around him.

The world around them continued to burn, the castle crumbling in the wake of the rebellion. Yet, in the heart of the destruction, they stood together, untouched by the flames that danced around them. His eyes searched hers, and in the depths of her gaze, he saw a reflection of the love and fear that now bound them.

The deal was struck, and the creature's laughter still echoed in the back of his mind. He had given away the very essence of his being for a chance at redemption, for the woman who had seen through the monster to the boy he once was. The weight of his new bondage was a cold, heavy burden, but the warmth of her pulse against his fingertips was the sweetest victory he had ever known.

Ivy looked at him, her eyes wide and clear of pain. She took in the chaos around them, the castle falling apart, and the realization of what he had done dawned on her. "What have you given up?" she whispered, her voice weak but filled with a strength that belied her condition.

Vice's grip on her tightened. "I’ll explain later," he said, his voice raw. “For now, we need to get you somewhere safe." Hescooped her up again, his movements swift and sure. The cool air stung at his skin, but the fire inside him burned hotter.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Ivy's eyes searched his, a silent question lingering in their depths. "Why?" she whispered.

His expression crumpled, torn between love and unbearable sorrow. "Because you saw the good in me when no one else did," he whispered, his voice trembling. "And I... I don’t know how to live in a world where you’re not beside me."

The journey through the forest was a blur of pain and determination. Every step he took echoed with the thunder of his heart, fear for Ivy's safety a constant drumbeat in his ears. The trees whispered secrets of his fate, their shadows stretching like the fingers of the creature that now owned his soul. Yet, he pressed on, driven by the warmth of Ivy's hand clutching his.

Suddenly, a tiny bark pierced the night's silence. It was faint, almost lost to the cacophony of battle behind them, but it was there. He stopped, his head tilting to the side, listening intently. It was a sound that didn't belong in the grim tapestry of their escape—a sound that brought a flicker of hope to his heart.

The bark grew louder, more insistent, and he realized with a jolt that it was Pomni. She was being chased by Spicy Nuggets. They came crashing through the underbrush. Despite the chaos, they had managed to get out. The sight of them brought a smile to Ivy's face, a glimpse of the warmth they had brought into the cold, dark castle.

Vice's eyes narrowed as he scanned the area for threats. The rebels wouldn't be far behind, and he knew they would stop at nothing to claim their victory. He had to get Ivy to safetybefore they could reach her. Ivy grabbed Pomni and Spicy and they take off running, their hearts racing in time with their pounding feet.

The safe house came into view, a beacon in the night. As they approached, the door swung open and a tiny figure emerged, running towards them. "Mommy!" Alice's voice rang out, cutting through the din of the forest. Ivy's legs gave out as Alice collided with her in a fierce embrace. They held each other tightly, their hearts beating as one, sharing the warmth of their love in the cold, dark night.

Pomni, yipped and wagged her tail, her eyes shining with joy at the reunion. Alice scooped her up, showering her with kisses and whispered reassurances. The animal's tail wagged even harder, her body trembling with excitement. The sight of the little girl and the puppy, so full of life and innocence, brought a lump to Vice's throat. He had never allowed himself to care for anyone or let anyone care about him, but now he had a family.

"Whatever comes our way", Ivy's gaze searched his, a silent question in her eyes. "We'll face it together," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. He leaned in, brushing a kiss against her lips, feeling the warmth of her skin against him. The smell of smoke and blood clung to them both, a reminder of the world they were leaving behind.

With Alice, Pomni and Spicy in tow, they walked into the safe house, the door slamming shut behind them.

Epilogue:

The air was thick with unspoken words; the weight of their new reality pressed down on them. Ivy’s eyes searched Vice’s, looking for answers, for the truth she hadn’t been given. Ivy could feel the weight of something pressing down on Vice’s shoulders. He had grown distant, lost in thought.