Darkness in the Shadows

Chapter 8

Alana walked back to the house, assuming Perie would drop by at some point, but she wasn't going to wait for him. She started her daily workout routine, impressed with how different she felt here. It was as if her exercises were more effective than they were at home. The liquid she drank on a daily basis definitely had an effect on her.

She continued pushing herself throughout the day, determined to surpass her previous best. The memory of the chilling sensation that crept through her hand when she held Hilem's hand lingered in her mind.

She knew it was the darkness flowing through her, feeling the chill spread into his skin and then withdrawing back into her when she released him. The chill transformed into warmth within her, a sensation she couldn't ignore.

Stopping abruptly, she looked at her hands, then around the room. With a resolute gaze, she focused on pushing everything she could into the darkness, willing it to manifest. She strained, feeling it near her skin, sensing its essence. Alana closed her eyes and concentrated on the feeling pulsing through her, recalling the chill and warmth she had experienced.

Despite the strain and the tightness in her chest, she pushed harder, remembering the blue creature's warning about control. She spoke to herself, demanding that the darkness reveal itself and merge with her. A sudden coldness swept through her, distinctly different from the welcoming coolness of the shadows in her world. It was a warning, one she chose to disregard.

She spoke out loud once more, her voice firm and commanding. "I will not stop until we are together or not at all. Now come!" The cold sensation abruptly ceased, replaced by a strange, cool feeling spreading through her. She continued pushing, but this time, there was no resistance.

The cool sensation extended until she felt it in her hand. Opening her eyes, she saw a dark sphere encircling her hand, and she smiled, acknowledging her newfound control.

"You are within me, and I accept that. But you will yield control to me, or I will find a way to rid myself of you," Alana declared, looking at the darkness in her hand. She willed it to move, similar to how she once manipulated shadows, and sighed in relief as it obeyed her command. "You will not consume me. I am in control," she affirmed, willing the darkness to return within her. Its coolness filled her body, as if it belonged there.

It felt almost familiar, as if it had always been a part of her, but the new world had brought it to the surface. It was harder than the shadows felt, a coldness that was almost sharp. She knew it felt dangerous. But if she could gain the control, it might be more useful than not.

Alana was uncertain about many things, relying only on what she could discover for herself.

However, she was determined to visit the house of knowledge again; perhaps it held some answers for her.

Perie didn't show up that day, or the next, or for the rest of the week. Alana didn't mind, though. She used the time without him to train, increasing her workouts and practising with the darkness every other hour. She kept herself busy, reading everything she could in the house.

Most books were just stories, but a few contained information about the Quela. Alana made sure to take notes on anything she deemed important.

Alana stepped into the shower, the odd green liquid meant for cleaning cascading over her body. She couldn't help but wonder where this liquid came from and what it contained. Its effects were remarkable; any aching muscles seemed to fade quickly under its soothing touch. There must be something in it that provided such relief.

As she washed, she pondered her changing appearance. In such a short time, her body had transformed. The muscles in her arms were now visibly defined even without tension. Her stomach, too, was much leaner and toned, but it was a result of newfound fitness rather than a lack of eating. Alana was surprised by the changes she noticed in herself every day.