Story Collection: Writing Prompt Wednesday

Once More: Dark

(She gripped the rim of the porcelain sink and tried to steady her hands.

"One last time," she whispered to herself.

One. Last. Time.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

She gripped the rim of the porcelain sink and tried to steady her hands.

"One last time," she whispered to herself.

One. Last. Time.

She took a deep breath and glanced up at her reflection. I look like a ghost, she thought. Her silver hair glowed, clinging to her naked body in wet strands, like a spider's web. Her face was barely visible in the faint moonlight that the tiny window above let in,  and her eyes were shadowed beyond being seen.

She sighed, unsure if this was really a good idea.

Steeling her resolve, she reached a still shaking hand up and brought it to meet the hand her reflection raised. The cold glass against her fingertips would normally have been a comfort to her, but now a feeling of dread washed over her upon contact.

She waited, still and silent, for a long time. She could hear the chime of the grandfather clock as it struck one.

Then two.

Then three.

Had it taken this long last time? She couldn't remember.

Four.

Time dragged by and her arm ached from being extended for so long, but still, she didn't move.

The clock struck five.

Dawn was breaking and the little light that reached her was like fire. She could see herself more clearly now. Her face was pale, her eyes burning red in the morning sun. She laughed, a mere whisper in the silence. If someone saw her they might think she was a vampire. But, vampires were just legends, no matter how much she resembled one.

Six.

The sixth chime of the clock brought a change. Her reflection shifted, a wary smile on its face. She remained unmoving.

"Why have you come back?" echoed her voice in her head.

"I... I have to know."

"Why? Is he really so important to you?"

"Yes."

Silence filled the small bathroom once more and she watched her reflection carefully. The smle had disappeared from the mirrored face as they weighed the options.

Seven chimes.

Finally, they spoke. "What would you offer for him?"

They had asked that both of the times before this, but hadn't liked her answers. She took her time. An immediate answer was no good, nor was a vague one. This was her last chance to get him back.

"I can free you," she said at last.

Her reflection stared back at her in surprise and laughed. "You can, can you? When did you learn that? And why would you?"

She stared back, unwavering. "I want him back."

"Your world will be destroyed if you do that."

"I don't care."

They paused, considering the offer.

"Very well. You have until moonrise to free me or he will be lost forever."