Chapter 1: Introduction
Emily Flames, a 38 year old married woman heard the door bell ring on her split level home. The short pear-shaped woman made her way down the stairs, her short purple hair slightly messy from recently waking up, falling in front of her face as it obscured her face hiding her multiple facial piercings. She idly wonders if her tank top and shorts is too revealing to answer the door, showing off her body covered in tattoos. Her husband Jesse might think she's underdressed, but she felt like showing off this morning. She opened the door and stopped in her tracks, her jaw dropping as she looks at her ex-husband, Ryan Charles, with a smug grin on his face, "Hello, Emily." he said, his voice stirring up thousands of memories. Memories of all the manipulation, the lies, the controlling, but also all the sex and passion. She was brought out of her memory flood as her eyes were drawn to an odd amulet around his neck, something in her mind told her it was called the Amulet of Reality Bending.
She knew that amulet was rare and unique, created to bend the reality around the wearer, making them more powerful and dominant over everyone else. Her heart racing, she took in his appearance, his piercing blue eyes staring back at her. He still had a strong and charismatic presence, just as he did when they were married. She felt a mix of emotions welling up in her. Anger, betrayal, guilt, and a hint of desire. She tried to push those feelings aside and focus on the conversation.
As they talked, she couldn't help but notice how much he had changed since their divorce. He used to be overweight and unsure of himself, but this Ryan was taller and more muscular, the confidence he exuded felt almost overwhelming as she felt small and weak. She found herself stammering and acting unsure of herself. He smiled down at her, "Where's Jesse?" He asked, that snapped Emily out of her daze.
"Jesse is at work." she replied as Ryan walked past her into the house.
He looked around the entrance hall, taking in the modern art pieces on the walls and the rustic wood paneling that made the room feel warm and cozy.
"Nice place," he remarked as he turned to look at her. "But then again, I always thought you had good taste."
Emily felt a surge of anger at his words, but tried to hide it. They stood in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Ryan took a step closer to her, his eyes fixed on her lips. Emily felt a stirring in her body, but forced herself to remain still.