The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 16, Morning

Ember POV~

Walking out of dark, thick fog; I was standing all alone, calling out to anyone. With no response heard, the ground beneath my feet is reflective like a mirror, while as delicate as the water surface. I continued on forward, hesitant of what was to come. Suddenly quiet meows called out. Star? Zimba?

Running towards them with great strides. My bare feet felt as though they were on rough stone. Reaching my destination to the sight of a lonely black cat. Lily? Or, perhaps, Ms Shadow? Panting faint breaths, as my confusion grew. Narrowing my eyes in an attempt to see more clearly.

Everything was so distorted, as the feline sat there on the glass-like surface. Displacing the gentle surface with murky reflections. There it was, a coat as dark as oil. With strange small horns atop the poor ones head. Vines of thorns piercing its flesh, tying it down with misery. An overwhelming sense of sadness bubbled from within.

"Oh poor thing, here let me help." I speak with a softness.

Unable to tolerate the empathic pain running through my body, which was sending daggers through my own joints. Charging in without care for my own safety, I began grabbing ahold of the thick vines. Unmoved by the blood pouring from my palms, pulling with all my strength to rip them away.

Uncaring for the damage they caused to me. I was desperate to help this shadowy being. Even as the frightening shadow began to attack me with the swiping of their claws. A bite of their teeth. I fought through with unwavering conviction.

Poor soul is so scared. I must hurry to get them free.

Before I knew it my eyes popped opened. My heart drumming in my ears. Trying to catch the breath I didn't realize I had lost. Brain racing towards a finish line. I wish I knew where. Confusion turned into alertness.

I couldn't feel, or recognize anything around me. Until a gentle hand touched my shoulder. A concerned voice fades into my ear. Gently soothing my panic as the honeysuckle raspy voice eases my nerves.

"Em. Em." I heard hushed into my ear. "Em, it's okay, just breathe."

Their instructions are easy to understand. Breathe. In. Pause. And Out. Helping me focus as they held me tightly.

"That's it, Em, I'm here. You're safe. At home. In your bed. Surrounded by all your felines. Whom all love you dearly." Those words finally allowed me to focus on my surroundings.

Realizing I was indeed in my bed. My feline family looked on with worry, each doing their best to comfort me with their purrs.

Gentle squeeze around my waist. Pulling my attention, looking over my shoulder. I'm met with rings of silver, concern, in pools of inked darkness.

"Alastor?" I murmured.

Still recovering from my dream, my throat as dry as the Sahara Desert and my head pounding from a migraine. Groggy, with little energy to speak of. *What was that dream?*

A nod of confirmation, and a soft smile. "Yes, it's me." He gently brushed the hair from my cheek. "Are you okay? I'm sorry to wake you." He paused for a moment, a look of guilt briefly broke through his worried expression. "You looked to be having a nightmare; and I didn't know what else to do."

Alastor's concern was a first for me. No one, outside of Sam and Damien, has ever cared. Rhythmic taps of shyness beats through his chest. The usual confident smart mouth, I had grown to know, had a much softer side.

Placing a careful hand on his. Entangling our fingers together. I could feel my heart racing like a hummingbird. He really is here with me, he stayed. Thinking to myself as a wild kaleidoscope of butterflies moved into my stomach. A warmth grew across my cheeks. Sparks gently teasing the skin that touched him.