The Essence Of Us

Chapter 26: A Call Of Beyond

I awoke slowly, a gentle warmth wrapping around me like a soft embrace. The first sensation that registered was an ethereal light, illuminating a vast expanse of beautiful, radiant colors. It was nothing like the world I had known—a place where darkness lingered and shadows held sway. No, this was something entirely different. This was heaven.

As I blinked, trying to adjust to the brightness, I felt a stirring within me, a recognition of something important. My heart raced as I turned to face the source of the warmth. There, before me, stood a divine being, resplendent and majestic. Three pairs of wings cascaded behind him, glowing with a light that seemed to pulse in rhythm with my own heartbeat. His midnight blue hair flowed like liquid starlight, framing a face that held an ageless wisdom.

Beside him, I felt an inexplicable pull—an echo of familiarity. I turned and gasped softly, recognizing the woman standing next to him. My mother. She was ethereal, dressed in a flowing white gown that billowed around her as if she were made of the very essence of light. A halo rested gently upon her head, glimmering softly as she smiled at me, her wings outstretched, delicate and beautiful.

"Aurelia," she spoke, her voice a melodic whisper that wrapped around me, calming my racing heart. "You've come home."

"Mom?" I managed to utter, my voice barely above a whisper. I felt a swell of emotions crash over me—love, longing, and a deep-rooted sense of loss. "I've missed you so much."

She stepped forward, her hands reaching out to me, and I instinctively moved to embrace her. But as our bodies connected, I felt a jolt of energy course through me. I was reminded of the terrible darkness that had taken hold of my life, of the battles I fought and the sacrifices made. "What is happening?" I asked, confusion knitting my brow. "Am I dead?"

My mother nodded slowly, her expression turning serious. "Yes, my dear. But this is not where you belong. You must return."

"Return?" My heart sank. "But I don't understand. Why would I want to go back to that place? It's filled with pain and darkness."

The divine being beside her stepped forward, his voice resonating like thunder, yet soothing at the same time. "You have a purpose, Aurelia. A calling that must be fulfilled. Your time has not yet come, and there is someone you need to save."

"Damon," I breathed, realization hitting me like a wave. Images flashed in my mind: Damon's fierce determination, the way he stood by me even when darkness closed in. The thought of him consumed by rage sent a chill through my very essence. "He needs me."

My mother's expression softened, filled with understanding. "Yes, and you have the power to help him. But you must return to your body, Aurelia. He is on the brink of losing himself to the darkness."

"I can't let that happen," I said, determination igniting within me. "I'll do anything to save him."

The divine being nodded, his wings shimmering with approval. "Then you must go. Trust in the strength that lies within you. You have the ability to overcome darkness."

As his words settled in my mind, a sudden wave of fear washed over me. "But what if I can't? What if I'm not strong enough?" Doubt crept in, threatening to undermine my resolve.

My mother stepped closer, her expression fierce yet compassionate. "You are stronger than you know, Aurelia. You come from a lineage of power. Trust in that power, and trust in the love you have for him. It will guide you."

In an instant, I felt a surge of energy engulf me, a powerful force pulling me back. "Wait!" I called out, panic rising. "I don't want to go!" But my pleas were swallowed by the light as it enveloped me, tearing me away from the warmth of their presence.

Suddenly, I found myself back in my body. I gasped, the air rushing back into my lungs as I blinked against the harshness of reality. The world around me came into focus, and panic seized my heart as I took in the scene before me.

Damon. He was standing there, his body tense, radiating pure feral rage. His blue eyes glowed an unsettling crimson, a reflection of the chaos swirling within him. He was lost, consumed by darkness, and I felt a sharp pang of terror at the sight.

"Damon!" I shouted, my voice desperate and raw. "Damon, please!" But he didn't respond. His gaze was distant, fixated on something I couldn't see, lost to the world around him.

I struggled to rise, my limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative, but I pushed through the weight of despair pressing down on me. "Damon!" I cried out again, fear lacing my voice. "You have to hear me!"

But no matter how loudly I called, it was as if I were shouting into an abyss. His expression remained unchanged, filled with an anger that had become his sole focus. I could feel the darkness pulling at him, and in that moment, a determination ignited within me.

I had come back for him. I would reach him. I wouldn't let him be lost to the darkness.

With every ounce of strength I could muster, I called out to him again. "Damon! I'm here! Please, come back to me!"