Chapter 29 - ANASTASIA
582 Words
Luna’s body burning smells sweet. Like honey. Like roses. Watching the flames consume my friend, I feel a strange sense of peace. It is as if I’m in Luna’s embrace, hearing her comforting words. I already miss her.
A laugh escapes my lips. What have I become? Ordering the death of children…Killing friends…But all of it is worth living. It is worth the lives of people I have sworn to protect. In a world where the only way to live is to become a monster, I will gladly become one. I will even be the worst monster if it means that the people who depend on me can survive.
The flames go out. A mass of charred bones and ashes remain at my feet. All that remains of my good-hearted friend. Tears sting my eyes and roll down my cheek.
“Hello!”
I turn around swiftly. Through all the smoke, I can see a vague shape at the mouth of the cave. Although I can hardly make out its face or features, I can feel it smile. I scoff. An assassin sent by Siren, no doubt.
“Turn back if you want to live,” I whisper.
The thing just laughs. Something about the laughter stabs an icy jolt into the pit of my stomach. In it, I can feel the darkness at the heart of the Vortex. In it, I can sense Siren’s cold beating heart.
“Go back,” I say and lift my hand. A barrier of blue flames rises in front of me. It should have made me feel strong and secure but…
The flames light up the thing's face. Only…It is made of smoke. A Shadow in the shape of a woman. Instinctively, I take a step back.
“You are scared?” The thing sounds almost disappointed. “I thought you were the Keeper of Secrets.”
My stomach sinks a few inches. I open my mouth to ask the thing how it knew but my tongue is frozen.
“Anastasia, the Keeper of Secrets and Lore of Dreamscape.” It laughs, taking a few steps towards me. “What a pity!”
The flames go out. All I can feel is fear. Ugly fear, wrapping myself around me like a huge monster. Choking out my life…
“You know that I am no assassin. And I am certainly not one that Siren sent.”
“I know what you are.”
I back away as the thing advances, my legs threatening to give way. It is only when I feel the wall of the cave against my back that I stop.
“I will not allow you to use me,” I say. “Whatever it is that you want, I will not give it to you. Never!”
“Poor, poor Anastasia…” The Shadow laughs. “Unable to save the one thing that matters the most to you…”
“What…”
“Ember.”
My heart feels like it is ready to burst out of my chest. How! How does…
“I know everything about your sorry little history, Anastasia.”
“Who are you? Please…” I sink to my knees, my hands clasped together in prayer.
“Not a long time ago, Anastasia, a Fairy died for your secrets. Do you want to know more about her?”
- Writer
