a thousand instincts (#1)

Nothing But A Shadow (8)

Aeress

     She lain in bed for hours. Even as she was aware that she had no idea where she was. Even as she registered Warrick was sitting in a chair next to her, typing away on his phone. 

     Hours she stayed there. Aeress simply could not convince herself to move. Not even as they both were fully aware that she was not kept by a deep slumber. 

     She stared up at the ceiling, recalling everything that happened. 

     Aeress died. That wasn't a dream. She wasn't being dramatic. The cold arms of death did welcome her.  

     But then she came back and wasn't alone. 

     As she hid under the sheets and blankets, she noted her strength which was not present before, her sharp vision, sense of smell, everything. Her body was different. 

     After everything, she should have been exhausted, but she failed to fall back asleep. 

     She took up his bed. She knew it was his bed because she knew his scent better than she knew her own. It was a mixture of spices, soap, and raw soil. It was all over her, and she'd be lying if she claimed it to bother her. No, she basked in it. 

     Aeress took a deep breath. Her voice was deeper, and she shivered as it reminded her of the creature. "I died." She forced herself to look up at the ceiling still. "And I came back. But so did something else..." her body tensed with wonder and apprehension. "Who was she?" 

     She listened as she placed his phone down on the bedside table. His clothes rustled as he adjusted his position in the seat. He cleared his throat. "We do not have a name for it. She is just an ancient being." He paused to ponder. "She is supposedly the mother of werewolves. The moon goddess. She has many names." 

     "I share my body with a goddess?" 

     "No." his answer was immediate and firm. "It is not like a werewolve's wolf. She is you. That is what legend tells at least. You are considered a reincarnation."

     Aeress felt her thoughts getting jumbled. "So I'm just a recycled soul. I'm not really me?" This she feared. 

     "No. You are Aeress."

     "This demon. She is with me now?" 

     "Yes." 

      "The things she did. Terrible things... Why?" 

     "I am not sure. Some say she can see into souls, that she was driven to madness, and became obsessed with saving the innocent from the damned."

     "Why now?" she demanded. 

     "I have about just as many certain answers as you do. There are many theories circling. Enough on this topic. It is making both of our heads spin." 

     "I was having such a good time," Aeress admitted, "and then those people came. Evil people. Who are they? Why do they want to kill you?" 

     He was silent. Contemplating. "Power. Greed." 

     "Different species, same problems," Aeress muttered. He made no response. 

     Her curiosity got the best of her. She twisted her body until she was facing him. She studied his features with astonishment. Dressed in a similar outfit as before, he was nothing but a shadow. 

     Something urged her out of bed almost immediately. She stood over him, but only because he sat. 

     Their eyes clashed and the heat between them was scalding.