Winter was the only season we could be together.

Half a year is what I have, bargained fair and fiercely. People may say I am unduly influenced by him, that when he stole me away, he poisoned me against my family. But he didn’t steal me away. I ran willingly to the underworld. Crossed the river, paid the boatman and never once looked back. I have never felt trapped down here. He never says, be careful, don’t climb too high, don’t spread your wings, just sit quietly and be pretty, just make the flowers bloom. I get to make things wither here, and I like to see them die!

Prompt provided by https://www.eadeverell.com/flash-fiction-prompts/