Pet Name A word with the power of kryptonite: a combination of letters able to cripple the will, melt the soul, stop the heart. Harmlessly, it is uttered by all. But he chose it carefully for its purity, commonality, banality. He brandishes it: his secret weapon. Only he knows the power of intention, intonation, invocation. He wields it like a fist. In the forge of ardor, he cast it— honing, hardening, hammering. Calibrating the hilt for his grip alone, he commands the cognomen as he does his opponent, his victim, his lover. Shattering my heart, shackling my soul, stealing my power, he calls me: Angel
Michele Mekel
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