Chapter Text
The crash of waves against the shore was not enough to drown out Lucerys Velaryon's wails of pain as Aemond Targaryen claimed his eyes; both of them. He had stated that he would only require one, that he would not blind Lucerys but the boy had refused his offer and fled as cravens always do. Aemond had been forced to pursue; it was Lucerys' fault what happened next.
The tiny insignificant dragon Lucerys rode was weak against the storm and had fallen to Vhagar into pieces for the sea to claim. Lucerys had fallen with it.
Aemond could have been merciful. He had already taken Lucerys' dragon, it should have been enough to repay the debt, but Aemond's soul was as fierce and unforgiving as a dragon and Lucerys' debt still needed to be paid in full.
Aemond had found him, alive and in the water, clinging to the remains of his dragon. Vhagar's bloodlust was sated and she allowed Aemond to swoop down and claim his prize.
Luke had wept as Aemond dragged him ashore of a small inlet, tossing him against the sand before taking the dagger from his harness. He could not back out now and Luke's screams as Aemond descended upon him would not offer him the satisfaction he had expected it would.
The debt would be paid. By fire or blood.
Luke's screams would remain with him long after he went silent.
Afterwards Aemond had tucked the eyes away, a gift for his mother as he had promised.
Luke lay at his feet, trembling and bleeding, his breath hitched in pain. Aemond watched him for a moment, taking in the sheen of his skin and the scarlet streaked against his round cheeks.
The debt has been paid.
"You promised you would only take one." Lucerys whispered as he moved to his knees, his bloodied face directed to where he thought Aemond was. "You said you would not blind me."
"You ran." Aemond replied simply, slipping his knife away and regarding Luke who remained hunched on his knees. His breathing was erratic, ragged and wounded.
Aemond turned to where Vhagar rested, moving towards her, his duty done.
" Aemond ?" Luke called out. His voice was small, frightened. Aemond stopped, releasing a breath.
"Nephew." He whispered, listening to Luke's breath hitch.
"You-you're leaving?" He sounded confused, hurt that Aemond was finished with him.
"The debt is paid." Aemond muttered, glancing over his shoulder to Luke who was trembling, arms wrapped around himself as if to find comfort. "There is no reason to remain."
"No…you can't leave me behind…" It was a plea, and it cut Aemond to the core. Aemond had blinded him and still he wanted Aemond to remain.
"Our business is complete, bastard. I have no further use for you."
Ashes in his mouth.
"Wait…wait!" Luke's voice was desperate, breaking and he attempted to stumble to his feet, only to fall back to his knees. "Don't…don't leave me, please uncle." Luke crawled forward, reaching out with tiny hands and finding nothing but air. Aemond moved forward to reach for him but stopped short. "I don't want to die alone uncle, please don't make me die alone!" His breathing was erratic, frantic in his quest to reach Aemond.
The debt has been paid.
Aemond breathed out, frozen as Luke blindly reached out for him, pleading for him to not leave him. Luke would be found, he would not die here. Someone would find him eventually. He would go home and live, but Aemond could not bear the sight of Luke's bloodied face, his eyelids hiding empty sockets.
The debt has been paid.
"Goodbye Lucerys." Aemond breathed and Luke sobbed as if his heart had been torn out. Aemond strode towards Vhagar who watched him approach, Luke blindly reaching out with trembling fingers.
"Qȳbor? Qȳbor !"
Aemond left him behind, Lucerys' terrified pleas nipping at his heels.
The debt has been paid.