A QUEST OF DEATH : Dawning Darkness

10 | Nightmare (edited)

Ada had no idea which day had dawned upon her so brightly. All she desired was more sleep, feeling physically and mentally drained. Yet, the relentless sun seemed to have different plans. She reluctantly opened her heavy eyelids, and the marred white ceiling, as always, welcomed her.

Sitting up in bed, she noticed the chaos that surrounded her - bedding hanging haphazardly and pillows strewn across the carpeted floor. The only solace was the ashy blue blanket that still clung to her like a makeshift burrito. She felt overwhelmed, both physically and mentally. She couldn't quite grasp why her body felt as if it had been driven over by a truck or why her mind seemed foggier than ever. After much thought, she decided to blame it on her busy work schedule at the café.

Sighing, she slowly peeled herself away from the warm cocoon of her comforter, her feet hitting the freezing floor. Cursing, she balanced herself on the wooden planks, her steps faltering slightly as if her limbs had forgotten how to move properly. A shiver ran down her spine, making her wonder where the plush rug that used to greet her in the morning had gone.

Stretching her body sideways and muffling pained moans caused by her aching muscles, she staggered across her room and down the stairs to the kitchen. Her vision was slightly blurred, despite the many blinks she attempted, and the edges of her sight seemed to waver. The soft morning sunlight cast a pale glow through the curtains, illuminating the quiet kitchen as she walked in with lazy steps. It seemed as if the elf had not come this morning - or it would have left the windows open already. Ada wondered what had happened to it, for it had never once missed its morning tea before.

Sighing, she pushed aside the thoughts of the elf as she wandered about her kitchen, searching through drawers and cupboards, hoping to find something to eat or drink. It seemed she hadn't done grocery shopping in a while, and the options were limited. Her movements were sluggish, and she couldn't shake the heavy feeling that pressed down on her, as if she were moving through a thick fog.

After rummaging for a bit, she finally came across a packet of chocolate chip cookies, the kind Flitch used to enjoy. She tore open the pack and took a bite, savouring the familiar taste. Then she prepared herself a cup of barley tea and settled on one of the high stools by the counter. Placing her mug in front of her, she reached for the small saucer lying nearby. Out of habit, she poured some tea off her cup and started blowing. Then it dawned on her that the elf wasn't there.

Sighing, she put down the saucer and gazed into the void. Though she wouldn't admit it, Ada felt rather lonely without its presence. Sure, it was annoying, but it was the only company Ada could afford. Now that it wasn't here, she felt a lot more lost and abandoned than she usually did.

The morning seemed to be a little cooler, though it was sunnier outside. As she rubbed her hands together, she noticed a fresh tinge marking her wrist. Looking at it, she saw a series of unfamiliar scars that distinctly looked like freshly made frostbites adorning her entire forearms. Her mind tried to make sense of it, but the memories were fuzzy, like a half-remembered dream slipping through her grasp. Her thoughts were muddled, a side effect of the sedatives still lingering in her system, though she remained unaware of this fact.

A vague memory from the previous night flashed across her mind - the stranger with amber eyes, the overwhelming sorrow, and the cold. She couldn't piece it together fully, but the haunting fragments were enough to send a chill through her already cold body.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

After the blinding explosion and the ensuing chaos had subsided, Ada had slowly regained consciousness. The room had been a wreck, with shattered glass and debris scattered all around. Her ears still rang from the cacophonous cry that had echoed through the Crepusculem. Groaning and clutching her pounding head she had tried to sit up. Naturally her first instinct had been to check on her brother.