My Prized Possession - Original

They whisper “monster” through Barovia's mist, I forged these roads from wilderness and abyss, The fools think they know the burdens that I bear. I carved out law from hunger and despair. What is a lord if not a shield of stone? These pathetic, frightened souls would leave you alone What is devotion if it does not last? But I remember every life that has passed. When I saw your face beside the flame, A different name, perhaps, yet still the same; The centuries bent backward in their course. Heart of Sorrow returns unto its proper source. Tatyanna, you were never meant to fade You tried to fly, you silly girl I built a kingdom for you; forever you must stay Tatyanna - your vessel is ready, give it a whirl They call it theft because they cannot see What undeath asks of those whom fate has crowned. If my love endures for eternity, Then surely love is sacred, not unsound. So let them fear me; let their necks bleed This predator is still more faithful than the sheep. I offer you eternity - Ireena - my queen. What greater proof of honor could there be? I demand you take the leap! The priests recite their little borrowed light, Condemning every appetite they fight. Yet I have watched them barter truth for spite While I alone watch you each night. I did not choose the dark that I became; No lesser man could have done this very same I only chose refusal to let go. My love is possessive, I admit. But you desire it so. These new adventurers with blades and creeds But all their noble vows are passing needs They speak loudly of salvation and of grace; I am the LAND, the only constant in this place. Tatyanna, you were never meant to fade You tried to fly, you silly, stupid fool I built a kingdom for you; forever you must obey Tatyanna - your slender vessel is ready, though not yet an obedient tool They call it theft because they cannot see What undeath asks of me, I bear with no frown. If my love endures for eternity, Then surely love is sacred, not unsound. So let them fear me; let their families bleed This predator is still more patient than the snake. I demand you take my eternity - Ireena - my queen. You want proof of honor? This bite, I command you to take! Time is the cruelest jailer ever known. It steals the breath from every fragile chest. I have conquered time itself alone— And conquest used for love is surely blessed. You look at me and see the curse, the grave, The crimson shadow stretching through the hall. But I would burn the stars themselves to save The single soul for whom I damned it all. Ireena, when the candles all grow dim And every mortal promise turns to dust, You’ll understand the depth of what I am: Not beast, not tyrant—only fiercely just. For history is written by the strong, And I have carried Barovia through night. If loving you for centuries is wrong, Then wrong has worn the face of sacred right. So come beside me where the cold winds sing; No age, no death, no god shall sever us. The world may curse the name of Zarovich— But I have only ever acted thus.