Taken

Chapter 17

At first there’s nothing. Just my body suspended in complete darkness, unaware of which way is up and which way is down, and how the hell I even got here.

            And then there’s a light. It’s small, pin like, but blinding compared to the darkness that consumes me. I reach toward it and feel the smallest hint of warmth brush against my fingertips, sending a shiver down my spine. I try to latch onto it, wanting the reassurance that there is something other than the darkness, but I can’t because light isn’t solid and I am meant to suffer alone with hope just out of reach.

            “Aria,” a dark voice says in a melodic tone. It chuckles as shivers rake my spine from how close it is and how it seems to surround me. Something moves and blocks the light. “I’ve been waiting for you to call on me.”

            “Y-You’re not Beata,” I stutter out, trying to back away from it, but I can’t move.

            Another chuckle. “I’m glad we cleared that one up, girl.”

            I struggle to swallow, my throat suddenly dry, my tongue made of cotton, but I manage to push out a question. “Who are you?”

            “I believe the better question is what am I?” the voice replies.

            Something brushes against my neck, leaving icy kisses on my skin. My body trembles.

            “I am darkness itself. I am the shadows that slither across the earth and the ice that coats the souls of the criminal. I am the night and the never ending abyss that traps the most disgusting of souls.”

            It’s suddenly at my ear, it’s cool breath tugging at my hair. “I am Mortem.”

            “W-What do you want with me?” I ask as I try to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest.

            “I don’t want you, little girl. I want what’s inside you. I want her,” he replied as he glided past her.

            Her? Who is he talking about? Is he talking about Nina? But why? She’s not inside of me.

            “And you—”

            Don’t listen to him, Aria.

            I jump as a familiar voice joins the conversation. A sudden bright light engulfs the darkness, making Mortem hiss.

Leave, the new voice commands.

            Mortem lets out a low growl from somewhere behind me. “We are not don here, girl,” he hisses before disappearing, letting the light take over.

I squeeze my eyes shut at how bright it is now, finding my feet touching solid ground. I slowly blink them open, finding myself able to move my muscles once again. When I glance up, I see the light goddess across from me, her bare feet floating a few inches above the ground.

            “Beata,” I breathe out in relief, glad that she is here with me. “What are you doing here?”

            I sensed his presence, she says and takes a few steps toward me. He is growing stronger, Aria. He will soon be able to contact you even when you’re awake.

            I cringe. “What am I supposed to do?”

            You are with Leo and Vul, correct? she asks and I nod. They will help you, they’re strong, true warriors. I believe I chose well.