Dawn Of Twilight

Chapter 10 : Rebirth & Salvation

The park had shifted subtly, its serenity turning unsettling as a peculiar stillness settled over the night. Dawn sat on the bench, waiting for Erevin to return, but a strange pull began to gnaw at her, tugging her attention toward the massive tree at the park's center. Beneath its sprawling branches, something lurked in the shadows-a dark shape partially obscured by the play of light and shade.

She couldn't resist. It wasn't curiosity but a deeper compulsion that drew her to it. The world around her seemed to hush as she rose to her feet, her steps slow and hesitant, her breath shallow.

The closer she got, the more the shadows twisted unnaturally, as though the darkness itself was alive, beckoning her forward. Beneath the tree stood a statue-its presence both commanding and eerie, almost hidden within the thick shadow the branches cast.

Two figures were immortalized in stone: a man in long, flowing robes with shoulder-length hair, his face shrouded in the gloom, holding a woman draped in a long dress. Her hair cascaded down her back, flowing like liquid stone. The figures stood locked in a close embrace, their poses intimate yet haunting. Dawn's eyes trailed to the pedestal, where an inscription was carved:

"In memory of Lord Azarath, the Dweller of Twilight, and Goddess Zaraya, the Provider of Rebirth and Salvation. The tree grew here at the point where Zaraya rejected her heavenly life and descended to the mortal realm to unite with the Lord of her life."

Moonlight broke through the canopy, illuminating the statue with an ethereal glow. The face of the woman became clear, and Dawn's blood ran cold.

The woman's face-soft, delicate, and hauntingly familiar-was hers.

Dawn staggered back, her trembling fingers gripping the edge of the pedestal for support. "Lord Azarath," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The name tumbled from her lips as though she had spoken it a thousand times before. It resonated within her, stirring an ache in the depths of her mind and heart.

Her breathing became ragged, her chest rising and falling as panic clawed at her. She clutched her chest, her body trembling. Her temperature soared as her head spun, the world around her warping into a blur of shadowy shapes.

Dawn tried to steady herself, inhaling deeply in an attempt to quell the rising storm within. But it was no use. The moment she whispered his name, it was as if something ancient and immense had awakened within her.

The world tilted. Her knees buckled.

Before she hit the ground, she heard a distant voice cutting through the chaos, calling her name with desperation.

"Dawn!"

Strong arms caught her just as darkness consumed her. The last sensation she registered was the warmth of those arms, firm and protective, as if they were all that held her to reality.

Dawn's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred as she regained consciousness. The first thing she saw was his face-that face-the one she could never tire of. He was so close, his features etched with worry, his warm breath brushing against her skin.

"My Lord..." she murmured faintly, her voice barely audible, the words slipping out before her mind could catch up.

He blinked, startled. "It's me. Erevin," he said gently, his hand still resting on her cheek.

Recognition swept over her. Color rushed back to her cheeks as reality settled in. She pushed herself upright abruptly, her sudden movement jolting Erevin backward. He nearly fell off the bench in his rush to give her space.

"Y-you're awake!" he stammered, his voice cracking slightly.

Dawn blinked at him, still disoriented. Her heart raced as she realized how close they'd been. Her cheeks flushed, both from embarrassment and the lingering warmth of his touch. "I... what happened?"