The Shadow

Part 8

        We’ve been walking for nearly half an hour. We are now deep into the forest, so deep that there is no proper trail to walk on. Under our feet, dead leaves and debris is strewn about, the sound eerie and haunting. The tall trees loom over us and block out the moonlight, putting us in nearly complete darkness. But I know exactly where I’m going, where I’m bringing her. I know this forest all too well, and my feet carry themselves.

        She hasn’t uttered a single word since we went into the forest, and I only had her hand as confirmation that she was still behind me. I pull her along gently, walking, walking, walking until I finally reach where I wanted to go. I stop, and she bumps into me.

        “We’re here,” I whisper. “We are?” she steps beside me and I hear her gasp. “W-what’s this?!”

         A stone is firmly etched to the ground, exactly how I remember it to be. I drop to my knees and brush away the dirt from the inscription. Here lies Damion Blackwell. Beloved son and brother. I dig my fingers into the earth, the cold soil numbing my hands.

        “Why are we here?” she stammers, and I feel her tense up.

        “This…is where I died,” I look her straight in the eye. "I was hung on this tree five years ago."

        “Stephan, what are you saying?” Her eyes are no longer full of love. She backs up, fear creeping into her dilated pupils.

        “I’m not Stephan,” I smile, standing up slowly. “I’m Damion Blackwell, and I’ve loved you longer than he ever has. I love you more than anybody.” When I take a step towards her, she stumbles back.

        “Get away from me!” she screams and prepares to run, but I lurch out and grabs her arms, pulling her back.

        “Don’t run,” I plead. “I know you must love me too! I was the one by your side. I am your shadow. I’m always by your side, watching you.”

        “Let go of me!” she screeches, but I ignore it and tighten my grip on her.

        I love her...I want to keep her with me forever...

        “I know that you like blueberries. Your favorite dress is the one with the polka dots and lace trim. Your favorite color is magenta, and you always open your tube of lipstick by twisting it with only your thumb and middle finger. I know everything.” The words fly out of my mouth.

        “You’re a psychopath! A stalker! Let go! LET GO—“ A sickening crack accompanies her howls of pain. With a whimper, she sinks to the ground, and I realize that I had crushed her wrists. Her hands almost appears to be detached for the rest of her arms, swinging in the air like a ragdoll's.

        I lean down. “Tell me you love me. I know you do.” I place my hands on either side of her face. Her tears fell on my fingers, and I wipe them away from her face with my thumbs. Grains of dirt sullies her face. She is shaking.

        I need to keep her with me...because she loves me too...

        “No,” she hisses between sobs. “NO!”

        “Say you love me!” I slide my palms down to her neck. “Say it!”

        “I-I—“ With one bent hand, she attempts to peel my hands from her neck, but I am faster. I curl my cool hands around her and squeeze.

        “Say it!”

        “I—I lo—lo—“ she coughs and chokes, flailing, struggling.

        Die with me...die with me...

        I grit my teeth and watch as her face contorts in pain. Her body twitches, her eyelids flutter, and she falls. I let go just as she falls limp and pull her to my chest. Through the slim branches of the trees, a slit of moonlight shines through, settling over her still face. Her eyes are wide open, glassy like marbles, and her lips are parted slightly. I use my thumb to stroke her cheek, and brought my lips to her ears.

        “We can be together forever now, Lily,” I murmur, breathing in her scent, still fragrant.

        She’s beautiful. She’s perfect, and she is mine.