Nyx | Carpe Noctem ✓

Chapter 53: A Creature Veiled in Darkness

Madis POV

What I had caught was nothing I had expected. It was a whisper of darkness, something sinister and mysterious yet familiar and welcoming.

"Hello, Madis Hale," it said again.

The being had a face that looked like it had been crafted from dried, weatherworn bone, its skin somehow discarded, a lipless mouth and too-long teeth held by blackened gums, slitted holes for nostrils, and eyes—gods!

Its eyes were nothing more than swirling pits of milky white—the white of death.
Peeking above the ragged neck of its dark robes was a body of veins and bones, as scary as the texture of its face.

It stared at me and I stared back. Its dark, tattered robes were so thin that the hard knobs of its spine could be seen. Oh Cauldron, maybe it had also been looking for something to eat? Sadness bloomed in my chest for two reasons.

1. I had caught this and nothing to eat
2. I felt sorry for catching this passing being

But then— it knew my name?! Gods! Realisation crashed into me like a tidal wave.

"How do you know my name and who are you?"

"Oh, lovely Madis, I have many names. Most people call me the Suriel. And I know your name because I know everyone's name." Its voice was at once one and many, old and young, and beautiful and grotesque.

"What do you want from me?"
"You caught me, queen of the night," the Suriel said. "You are a smart, young female, Madis Hale."

"That didn't quite answer my question."

"You are outspoken, my dear. You need me that's why you caught me."
"To win this? To get out alive?"

The being laughed, tilting its head back. Its hood shifted with the movement and revealed the bony figure underneath. I swallowed thickly, not letting my fear show.

"No, I am positive you will win this on your own. Look at you, you have come this far, survived a few days already in just a nightgown and oversized boots. No, you will need me later on along with your mate."

I crouched down and started to fumble with the straps of the trap. There was no need to hold it captive.

"How will Nyx and I need you? I don't understand what you are saying."

"I am glad you already know who your mate is. Not that I reveal too much like my brother did with the High Lady of the Night," the Suriel said and chuckled. The sound was so strange somehow. I furrowed my brows and fully loosened all straps so that it was free.

"You will remember my words when you come to a situation where you need help. Just find me and I will come and help you."
I reached forward and grabbed the thing by the arm. "A bold one you are as well."

I let go of the arm and brushed the sleeve down. "I am sorry, but how will I know when it is the point where I need to contact you?"
"You will just know it, you are smart, Madis Hale, I know you will know it."

I lifted my hand. "Stop! How will I find you again?"

"You just will find me again. A trap is a good start. Conqueror of Death. Unifier of Realms. Healer of the Broken. Rebuilder of the Damaged. Mate of the future High Lord. And Queen of the Night."

And with that it vanished, leaving a dead rabbit behind in the trap. "Thank you," I breathed but it was already too late. I was startled, not quite sure if maybe I had hit my head to hard on a rock and started to imagine things.

"You good, Madis? Caught anything?" Loi shouted from inside the cave.

I swallowed thickly, the air had been punched out of my lungs. I was immediately going to tell Nyx when I got home. Or on the first chance I had to speak with him alone.