Vengeance Of Darkness

Chapter 1

It is nearing the time of obscurity and I am sitting alone in my small cottage, the warmth of the fire wrapping around me and effectively expelling the chill of Wintertide. Outside the walls of my abode, snow silently descends to the earth, adding a fresh layer to the blanket of white. I hum to myself a melody my mother would sing when I was a girl, the cracking flames joining the lullaby. Silver moonlight shines through the frosted windowpane and spills onto the floor. I rise to my feet and approach the door, opening it as I draw my cloak closer around me. I am eager to see the forest awash in the newness the snow brings. As I pass by the frozen creek, I hear the sounds of someone passing behind me. I turn, prepared to defend myself against the predator that has taken me as prey, and find myself face to face with Aidenarius.

I am speechless. Here is Aiden, my angel, standing in front of me. Here and now. I am jubilant.

"Aiden!" I can barely refrain from throwing my arms around him. "You didn't tell me you would be returning to Midrune."

A forlorn expression darkens his features. "I did not think I would have to. Not so soon." His words cause a shift in the atmosphere. Suddenly, all light is drained from the world and left in its place is a cold emptiness.

"What do you mean?"

"The Obscuritas are growing restless. They have become weary of Mortalitis and the treatment they receive." His words are unsettling even though the meaning evades my understanding. "They wish to overthrow the Master and will do whatever it takes to claim the throne as theirs." As he explains, I am starting to piece together the puzzle.

He senses my confusion before I speak, an ability he has attained through months of interaction with me. "You are not safe, Clarediluna. The Obscuritas know that you are the key they need to complete the transition from Mortalitis."

The realization finally settles over me. My life is in danger. I am not safe as long as I am vulnerable. "How do we combat this? How am I to fend off the Obscuritas? To protect myself?" I am suddenly aware of how small and susceptible I am out in the open. I am powerless against the dark forces that are soon to come.

"The Celestalis have banded together to protect you. We will stand as your Guardians for as long as it takes. Under our protection you will be safe." Even though his words are meant to provide the solace that I am searching for, I cannot help but to feel on edge.

The Obscuritas are powerful and know their strength. This is a known fact that the citizens of Midrune have reluctantly accepted. No matter how hard one fights, the Obscuritas know how to shift the tide of battle to their advantage.

"Is the arrival impending?"

"That is not something we know. It is a miracle that we know of their plans for dominance." Every word that comes from his mouth is a shot to my sense of safety. From this point, I am a target, even with the protection of the Celestalis. The chances of my survival after the attack of the Obscuritas is slim.

"Your chances of survival are greater if you submit to my protection," Aiden speaks, seemingly reading my thoughts, his eyes searching mine for any sign of agreement. "We can protect you, Clarediluna."

It does not take much urging. I willingly hand my life to him and to the Master, hoping beyond all hope that this will guarantee sanctuary. "You are my Guardian, Aiden. I am dependant upon you from this point on." I am unaware of the gravity of this decision, knowing not if this will be the answer to the imminent destruction that is to befall Midrune.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure your safekeeping. The darkness must yield to the light and the Master will prove this beyond all certainty."