Shadows of Love: A Dance Beneath the Dagger's Edge | Teen Ink

Shadows of Love: A Dance Beneath the Dagger's Edge

December 30, 2023
By TedZhang BRONZE, Princeton, New Jersey
TedZhang BRONZE, Princeton, New Jersey
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

In a fractured Ardenia, a country known for political turmoil that divided it into several states, each with their own prime minister and political agenda, Theo, now 16, was the most formidable blade in his group of assassins. He was excellent at it -- started at five, proficient in fencing, archery, and disguise.

The ice in Theo's veins gave him a veneer of emotionlessness, yet beneath that veneer lay a heart that could thaw. It was atop Orodeen Mountain that his destiny entwined with Jane's, the daughter of a rival prime minister, one of his assassination targets. 

In that precarious moment, Jane stood before him, wrapped in a crimson dress that accentuated the beauty of her deep-brown almond eyes framed by lush lashes, unveiling the sunshine radiating from her heart. As their eyes locked, time seemed to suspend. Despite the dagger clutched in Theo's hand, he found himself unable to harm this captivating woman. The fragility of his resolve became apparent as Jane, discerning the tenderness in his gaze despite the cold exterior, approached with the curiosity of a child eager for a story.

Hand in hand, the two traveled up the Vergus River, letting its gentle flow mirror the unfolding chapters of their shared humanity, exchanging stories and laughter along the way.

However, their forbidden love was impossible. Theo, an assassin, and Jane’s father, a rival prime minister were entangled in a web of political discord. Amid escalating violence, Theo made it his unwavering mission to protect Jane, leaving a trail of death in his wake. Their secret reunions became fleeting respites, cherished amidst the chaos. Theo, fueled by love and armed with courage and intellect, envisioned liberating Jane from the clutches of danger. However, fate dealt a cruel blow. Having saved Jane from the clutches of the ominous "Grim Reaper," another assassin, Theo realized the harsh reality of their predicament. Understanding the relentless pursuit dictated by the Assassin's Creed, he sought resolution.

Theo gifted Jane one of his childhood daggers, kissed her farewell, and swiftly changed his attire, disguising himself as Jane. Scattering deceptive clues, he lured the "Grim Reaper" to the mountaintop where their love had blossomed.

Pierced by an arrow, Theo tumbled down the cliff, creating the illusion of Jane's demise. News of Jane's death spread nationwide. Without hearing from Theo, Jane knew the truth.

As she ran to the cliff, lightning streaked from ominous clouds in the sky. Ravens crowed mournfully. Under the cliff, Jane found her blood-soaked, crimson dress and the token she had given Theo.

Realizing she had lost her beloved forever, Jane descended towards the abyss. The two souls, deeply in love, would never be apart. Their love story became a legend in Ardenia, retold for generations.


The author's comments:

I hope people can understand that love can transcend boundaries. Love can soften even the hardest hearts and bring out profound change. It is love that bridges the seemingly insurmountable gap between an assassin and his target. In addition, I ended the story with a tragedy to show the unpredictability of fate in life and the theme of sacrificial love. Despite meticulous planning, the characters ended up finding themselves in situations they hadn't foreseen, however, Theo's ultimate sacrifice, giving up his life to protect Jane shows the depth of commitment one can have for a loved one. Hope you all enjoyed the fiction!


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