Our Dark Collision (English edition)

IV

I wake up with a start, strangling a scream. The cheeks are streaked with tears. I can't breathe regularly. I squeeze the sheet between my fingers, as if it were a lifeline.
A nightmare, it was just a nightmare.
I try to repeat myself, as I surround my chest with my arms, as if I want to try not to be shattered. Violent shivers keep making my teeth chatter. I feel the need for some fresh air. I run to the large window facing the bed and climb onto the sill. I look for a handle, or anything else that can open the window, but I can't find anything.
-Asshole- hissing between his teeth.
She locked me up. The stomach twists and for a moment the panic pervades me, but I do not allow it to take over, I have to remain lucid. There must be another window somewhere. I get off the windowsill and walk barefoot towards the door, but my reflection in the mirror blocks me. I had no idea what conditions I am going to. His hair is matted, his face distorted by a distressed expression, his eyes glistening and his lips chapped. I'm wearing a mint-colored nightshirt that I hadn't even noticed before. I still have to try to assimilate the latest events. I bring my mind back to the present and taking my eyes off my reflection I leave the room as quietly as possible. I walk on tiptoe on the parquet, while on my sides run dark blue walls, perhaps almost black, but I don't pay them much attention. The only thing I'm looking for right now is some fresh air. I find myself in a large living room, where on one wall, an imposing window overlooks a balcony. I rush to open it but there's a lock and, oh, I don't have a key. A frustrated groan escapes my lips. I lean my forehead against the cold glass of the window, while with my breath small halos take shape on the cold surface. Outside the night sky is clear, small stars illuminate it, while a full moon towers over them, illuminating the landscape with its enchanting silver light. The breathing has returned to quite regular and the previously frenetic heartbeats have slowed down.
-Are you not asleep? - asks a voice behind me.
I turn abruptly, my eyes wide.
And he.
He keeps his gaze on mine as I back away until I'm crushed against the glass. The cold makes me shiver.
-Oh, please, don't look at me as if I'm going to kill you, I don't have all this time to waste- he says smugly, while I notice a flash of perplexity making its way into his eyes when he notices what I'm wearing. Suddenly I remember being practically naked, but before the thought can even take shape in my mind, an ankle-length robe materializes on me. I gasp for a moment, unsure how to react to this unexpected kindness.
-Do not mention it. You humans don't know good manners? -She snorts as she sits on an armchair.
The consideration of him makes me nervous.
-This is the one who sealed the window of my room- I retort furiously. Yet my words seem to have amused him, enough to make him curl one side of his mouth.
-Ass-hissing.
He sighs slowly massaging his left temple, he seems really tired, as well as annoyed by my presence.
-You shouldn't sleep? - breaks the silence that was created in the room.
-I am not sleepy- I say serious.
-Mh, your appearance would say the opposite- he observes, making me remember how little presentable he must be at this moment.
Tired of standing, I sit on the sofa facing the demon. It is comfortable and with different cushions in various shades of blue. I gather some of the courage left in my body and straighten my back.
-Are you going to keep me locked in here for eternity? - I say, while I continue to squeeze a hem of the dressing gown between my fingers.
-You are free to go where you want, but it is right that you remember that no one, of all those you know, has memories of you- he explains.
That memo hits me like a stab at the heart.
-Yes, I understood it- I say resigned, letting out a sigh. I try not to reflect too much on the nightmare I had just before, I try not to rethink the anguish of not being able to find my family while hearing their voices. I try with all my strength to suppress the sensation of blood under my hands, I shiver. With a snap of his fingers, the demon makes a cup with a dark liquid inside appear on the coffee table in front of the sofa.
-It is a relaxing infusion, it can help you sleep- he explains.
I look at the drink with caution.
-Who tells me he's not poisoned? -I say hatefully.
-In addition to making yourself immortal, the pact implies that you remain tied to me, in order for this to happen you must remain alive. If I killed you I would break the agreement and I have no intention of finding out what penalties I might be entitled to if I did. Also your fears are giving me a headache - he concludes annoyed.
-How do you do..-
- Feel them? Let's say that they are a bit like subtle energies, which in this case are malevolent in nature - he explains, interrupting me and continuing to massage his temple.
I lean out of the sofa reluctantly to grab the cup, the liquid releases an intense scent of red fruits. I bring it to my lips and take a sip uncertainly. It is delicious, enough to make me take a second sip, until the cup is half empty. I let out a moan of pleasure, given by the sweet aroma of the drink.
-Thank you- I say placing the cup on the table.
He just grins.
-You can call me Ash- he murmurs.