Control The Uncontrollable // The Acolyte

6. The Shadow

The rush of the darkness swallowed you whole, as your body began to swing from one side to the others. Your body was heating up, sweat began to run down your body. You opened your mouth desperate for fresh air, but only darkness consumed you. You were drowning, your hands couldn't grip to anything. It was only one way, and it was down. You hit the bottom with a smash, waking you up.

You're back rushed up to a protecting sitting position, as once again you stared out into the darkness. Your breath got heavy, something wasn't right. This darkness, you were used to it, but now it felt deeper, darker and unfamiliar. It felt haunting, instead of a home. Something was wrong, and you sensed you weren't alone. You sat up, letting your legs hit the ground as you stood up.

Someone or something was here. You were not going insane. This was not another dream. This was real, you sensed it. You close your eyes, as you let your hands reach out for the darkness. There, there it was. In one swift movement, you pushed a body straight up to the wall, placing your wrist up against that someone's throat, holding them firmly up against the wall.

"Impressive," You recognized the whispering voice instantly, it was Qimir.

Your breath got heavier as you tighten the grip up against his throat.

"What are you doing here?" You asked him, your voice almost sounded threatening, staring up at the shadow of his figure.

"You're sweating," He whispered. He couldn't possibly see that. You bit your lips, you had nothing to say. You felt his hand lay at the top of yours, as his thumb brushed softly against your skin. No, no, no this is wrong.

"You've been having nightmares," He stated.

You felt his hand lay at the top of yours, as his thumb brushed softly against your skin. It felt warm, caring. No, no, no this is wrong. He was not allowed to care for you, and you were not allowed to admire this feeling, still you were unable to move. You liked the feeling of his skin, and perhaps the darkness made it feel less... bad. Like a dream, not real.

His hand moved up to your shoulder, as he gently brushed down your sleeping robe, letting it fall off your shoulders. You inhaled, your bare chest moving up and down in a swift motion. You had never been this vulnerable in front of another soul. You never allowed yourself to be. His hand rested on your shoulders constantly reminding you of his presence, without even seeing him.

Your hand fell down, letting go off his throat as you moved away, remembering your own rule. To keep distance, but he didn't allow you to do that. He immediately grabbed your wrist, turning you around to face his shadow. His grip was firm, not letting you move a centimeter away from him. You felt his chest up against yours. He had certainly been good at hiding his muscles behind his poor posture.

"Lay down in bed for me," He loosened the grip around your wrist.

You swallowed low, your eyes flickering. His voice was darker than before. It felt like a flame in the darkness, that you couldn't help but want to follow. You closed your eyes, but the flame was still echoing in your ears. It was nowhere to hide. You turned around, every step towards the bed got heavier. He followed behind, not letting go off your wrist.

When reaching the bed you laid down, not questioning his instructions. You laid down on your stomach. He let go off your wrist. You felt his presence as he sat down on the corner of the bed. Even in the dark, it felt like he was watching you.

"Close your eyes," He whispered.

It was difficult to believe his words, to close your eyes and relax. Normally this was the easiest thing for you, but now it felt like the heaviest you had done. You sensed he was waiting for you. Against all sane thoughts, you closed your eyes. Letting the darkness fall over you once more. That's when you felt his fingertips caressing your bare back. The heavy breath slowly calmed down. His touch was soft, gentle. Different than before.

Your body was able to finally breathe, as peace settled over you. In only a short amount of minutes you felt yourself drifting away, but this time the darkness was warm, welcoming you. You didn't want the feeling to stop, you didn't want the shadow to stop.