The Grim

1. Prologue

I remember dreaming, I remember the flash, and then it was over...

A warm sensation enveloped my body; I felt as if my flesh was burning off the bone. Before I knew it, I was no more. Everything and everyone I loved turned to ashes.

I had a conversation with a celestial being just before all of this happened, though it was the opposite of an angelic figure. Draped entirely in black silk with a subtle white aura behind it, the being appeared luminescent as it hovered in the air, wielding a scythe-like staff that radiated an emerald green light. The being spoke to me in a calm and soothing female tone, describing a cubed plane-an infinite reality from which one could never escape. It painted a nightmarish realm of trials so vast that I couldn't even begin to imagine. The being explained how the unfaithful would be taken away to undergo torturous trials, and those who could overcome them would ascend, breaking free from the curse that had befallen them.

I couldn't speak back; it was as if my tongue was tied in knots, and an invisible force was choking me, denying me even the indulgence of pain. The only thing I managed to mutter out was 'Who are you?' The dark, black eyes of the figure just stared at me, offering no response.

The being continued, forewarning me about what was to come. It explained that I would be the one responsible for setting things right, yet provided no insight into what that even meant. In a flash, I saw a vision of everything and everyone I loved meeting their demise. I witnessed the unfolding events, and then I heard the familiar female whisper, telling me, "You are chosen to correct this. It will all become clear in due time."

Why was I chosen for this? What does it all mean? Everything started spinning, and intense imagery flooded my mind-visions of myself engaging in unspeakable acts. This wasn't me; I couldn't possibly do such things. I became overwhelmed with rage, violence, and an inexplicable passion for the actions depicted in these surreal images. A powerful rush surged through me, electrifying my entire body. Yet, I wasn't physically present; this place defied logic and left much to the imagination.

Amidst the disorienting chaos, I couldn't shake the words of the celestial figure. My mind spiraled through a labyrinth of thoughts, repeatedly falling into a state of darkness. It felt like an endless descent, and I yearned to awaken and be free of this torment. Was this my moment of reckoning? Is this the afterlife, and is this all there is for me? I couldn't even recall how I arrived here.

It was over.