THE UNBROKEN

"Another gift from the duchy," Niegal grumbled, his voice rough from yet another restless night.

He rubbed at his eyes, trying to blink away the visions that wouldn't let him go, a black lion clashing with shadows before a building he'd never seen… of fire consuming a pyre, a helmet rolling off into the dark.

Elena sat beside him, brushing her hand over his shoulder with quiet concern. Her other arm cradled a sleepy Esperanza, silver eyes fluttering half-open like she didn't want to miss anything. She clung to her mother's robes with a quiet strength, as if she already sensed something was wrong.

"What is it this time, mi amor?" Elena asked gently.

Niegal snorted a tired laugh. "Another invitation… and a bottle of wine." He held up the parcel, wrapped in black velvet ribbon stamped with the Obsidian Duchy's seal.

Elena chuckled. "Then maybe we open it tonight? I can think of a few ways to help you sleep."

She leaned in, kissing his cheek and letting the moment linger.

Niegal's shoulders softened beneath her hand. "That sounds nice."

That night, after Esperanza was laid gently in her crib, her favorite plushie tucked in beside her, moonlight spilling in soft silver through the slats, Elena and Niegal settled together at their table.

They uncorked the wine and poured two generous glasses.

"To our family," Elena said, eyes twinkling as she raised her glass. "Mi Léon."

Niegal smiled despite the exhaustion carved into his face. "Salud, mi Doña."

The glasses clinked.

They each took a hearty sip.

Elena swirled the wine over her tongue, ready to praise the taste- when something hit her. Her mouth tingled, then thickened. Her body stiffened, limbs growing sluggish. Her breath caught.

Her glass tipped, falling from her hand with a soft clatter.

"Niegal…" she gasped, but the words came out like marbles in her mouth.

Across the table, Niegal's hand reached for her then faltered, shaking, before falling completely slack. His eyes were wide, pupils contracting. He was trying to stand. Trying to fight.

He couldn't.

Elena collapsed forward, her temple hitting the wood floor with a dull thud. The last thing she saw was Niegal blinking at her, fury burning behind the drugged haze.

Then… darkness.