Against the Current (Awakenings 1)

Prologue

The bright, warm sun hadn't been seen in days and there still didn't seem any sign of it coming back as thick grey clouds stretched as far as the eye could see. Without the sun I could feel my soul drifting away, limiting me. The ground was dark with thick with mud caking the surface. Behind me I was sure there was a solid trail left in my wake. The clouds were ominous as a steady breeze swept through the water and onto the beach. The world was covered in a grey haze.

I stood alone on the edge of the cliff. The fog drifted around ends of my dress. The mist almost seemed to be pulling me closer to the shore, trying to hold me back. The water smacked repeatedly against the sharp, jagged edges of the rocks below me. Slaps and crashes echoed in my ears. The water splattered around. Yet, despite the storm brewing below me my gaze was steadily focused out towards the horizon. I wore a white, linen dress with a thin white shawl draped at her elbows. White stood for freshness, cleanliness, and most importantly new beginnings. I needed this new beginning to counteract what had happened. In order to save our way of life, we needed a new beginning. My light blond hair danced in the wind as I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, feeling the life flow through me.

In my hand was a metal lantern that held a candle that dully licked the air behind the glass. Below the waves gradually crashed against the murky, sandy shore. Doubt swirled inside of me as I began to wonder if I was making the right decision or acting out from mourning. A gust of wind came towards the land. My eyes watched the gust of wind and I saw a young woman, faint, but still watching me with careful eyes in the distance. A weak smile formed on my lips as I bowed my head. Taking in another deep breath I spread my arms wide and the fabric fluttered around. I titled my head back and leaned forward.