He swung the key in front of my face. The rusty metal, spinning on its string. A hypnotic dance, the world seemed to slow as I watched it turn. My eyes were caught following it, stuck in disbelief. It couldn't be...

Carrick didn't say anything, he didn't have to. Even in my drunken stupor, I couldn't forget the songs. The key, echoing the melody of a tempting legend.

Legend was maybe the wrong word. The story, not distant history. It contained no theatrical embellishment. I was there that day, a witness. Its creation, captured within my memory.

The key that kept the dead from the living. Unlocking the very gate of hades, sheol, death; whatever name inspired more fear. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. It was the one thing that promised me a chance.

A chance to bring her back.

I grabbed after it, Carrick pulling the string away. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, not so hasty Alexander." His words were cloudy in my head, mocking my attempts. Holding it out just beyond me.

"Carrick!" I growled, clumsily reaching after it. His laugh, leading me further away. I followed the carrot on a stick, falling from my stool.

"You Bastard…" My voice ran raw, a new desperation."Give it to me!" I rubbed my head, trying to stand.

"Now why would I do that?"

"It’s your fault she's dead." My voice cracked as I stumbled after him. I fought with each step.

"Yes and don't you want to get her back?" He smiled at his question, dangling the key above me.

"I hate you." My words came out slurred. I tripped, falling back to the floor.

Carrick nodded, losing his grin. "That's understandable."

I squirmed, trying to stand. He leaned down, studying me. "I almost feel bad about it, you look so...pathetic."

"Shut up."

"The mighty hero Alexander Wren, drinking himself to death. That's one for the songs."

I pulled myself up, locking a glare. "Once this wears off I'm gonna kick your sorry as-"

"Not if you want to get Gloria back."

My gut took a violent lurch at her name. He had no right to use it. No right to speak it aloud.

"I won't play your games Carrick."

He studied my eyes, shrugging, starting towards the door.

"If you won't do it then it's your fault she's dead."

His words came with a biting guilt, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. Her wide fearful eyes, haunting me. I could still hear her pleas, her small voice begging to live as the air left her lungs. She was so afraid to die.

"You have no right!" I hissed, clenching my fists. I lunged at him, Carrick stepping back. I landed smack against the wall. Aching as I struggled to turn.

He stared down at me with disapproval.

"Please just think for a moment."

The room was spinning, he was spinning. I couldn't stay upright, collapsing back on the floor.

Carrick sighed, "Don't you love her more than you hate me?"

I choked on my tears, staring at the key in his hand. How could he taunt me like this? After all he did.

"Don't you want to see her smile again? Feel her skin under your fingertips. Taste her kisses on your tongue?"

"Don't you dare talk about her!" I cried out, struggling to breathe.

He frowned, "Why? Does remembering her bother you?"

"You're trying to manipulate me." I spat, clawing at the ground. I tried to crawl away. He stood, blocking my path. The corners of his mouth stretched out in a grin.

"You help me get the Gate and I help you get Gloria. It’s as simple as that."

"You're sick, twisted, evil..." I hissed my words, they faded off.

"Is that a yes?"

"How about I just kill you and get her back myself." I tightened my fists, glaring up at him.

Carrick broke out in laughter, "Do you know how the gate works? Or even how to go about pulling someone back?"

I dropped my eyes to the ground, my mind drifting. A panic rising in my chest. I was at his mercy.

Loosening my fists, I hung my head. This was so messed up.

"The second I have the chance, I will betray you."

A sick excitement in his eyes, Carrick pulled me to my feet. "I wouldn't have it any other way Alexander."

He motioned for me to follow, pulling me along. My focus, muddy as I regretted every step. I was walking right into his trap. Letting him pull my strings for a second time. I knew he'd get what he wanted. I knew he'd leave me with the blame. It scared me how easily he got me to follow. Marching to my ruin with desperate abandon.

"I hate you." I mumbled through my blurry vision. His arms, helping me walk steady.

"Yes, yes, I know." His voice was strangely sympathetic. He kept his eyes forward, fixed on his goal.

"You're free to keep hating me Alexander, as long as you'll do anything to succeed."