Elder Born

3. Madness

3

Madness

Shhhh... don’t despair, my girl, I am still with you.

Amelia tried to scramble back yet felt herself held in a firm hand, her head twisting around desperately looking for the source of that voice. The person remained invisible to her yet the voice was oddly familiar. She paused, her eyes widening at that thought.

She did know it wasn't Kevin. His voice was one she was overly familiar with. Tremors ran through her, though she doubted her body actually reacted, but her mind was convinced that she was trembling. Amelia squeezed her eyes shut, trying to push her fear aside.

Who are you?

You know me, child, I have always looked over you. There was amusement and a hint of kindness in the man’s voice.

It was a man, of that she was certain. He was also correct; she did recognise his voice although she suspected he was not someone that she had ever met in person.

If my master discovers you talking to me, he'll punish me. He'll hurt you as well.

The voice chuckled with amusement. Never fear, Amelia. That one does not know you are still present.

Startled, Amelia felt her eyes pop open, even though she knew her body still slept on the cot in the room she'd been assigned, unaware and undisturbed by this nocturnal visitor.

He... he, doesn't?

No. His voice was emphatic.

I thought he left me here to torment me.

A shimmering started in the blackness and a man stepped out of the darkness, walking towards her confidently. Amelia froze, looking up into the dark eyes of a man who appeared to be only a little older than herself, yet somehow she felt certain that he was much older. He knelt near her and she felt the sensation of being gathered into his strong arms. She stiffened as she felt a hand stroke her hair.

No. I'm sorry, I should have spoken to you sooner. My name is Aiden. I created this safe haven for you. Kevin does not know you have survived.

Fear thrilled through her as Amelia felt his power caress her, roll over her. Somehow she knew: This man didn’t want to help her. He wanted to possess her, to take this small part of herself that she had left and twist it to his own ends.

No!

She surged up, thrusting out with her powers, pushing that spark that was the other one away from her, slamming the door to her cell shut, large bolts clunking into place. She scrambled to her feet and ran, the long, dark, cold stone hallway of her mind stretching out before her as she fled.