Excerpt: Betrayal in Disguise

“The rules are non-negotiable. You made a wish in which Your Holiness has not granted you. Your heart is strong in your desire; you searched another path, which led you here to me. I will hear your wish and if I see it fit to both you and I, then I will help you. However, if I see no gain for myself you will again be denied and forced to face punishment.”
Her mouth gaped and tears welled, stinging her eyes. She collapsed to her knees and held her face in her hands while she sobbed uncontrollably.
“You have no other choice,” he said to her cruelly. “Since you chose to find me there is no other way to return to your world without leaving something behind.”
Isiarath watched her cry into her hands with no expression but knelt down in front of her and placed his icy hands on her shoulders. Almost sympathetic, he pressed his forehead to the top of her head. She hiccupped underneath him.
“Let’s not delay, my dear. Tell me. What is it you so desire?”