Shadow Former

[6] More than a headache

Konnya glared at her. "No."

Tur'svan waved a hand. "We don't have time for you to dally. Come to terms now, or miss out on something that might save this life."

"I have human memories. A job, my family--"

"Which you lost a long time ago."

Konnya ignored her and paced around the room. "If I were a Shadow Former, I'd have centuries of memories. I am Konnya Vast. Seventeen years old. Born and raised in Flix by Norman and Kale Vast. Everything I know would be a lie."

Her chest rose and fell in a strange rhythm. She realized tears slid down her face, and wiped them away. Her cheeks burned, and her jaw hurt from clenching it so hard.

Tur'svan sighed. "This time was supposed to be the one you'd believe me." She straightened her shoulders. "I promised my people to watch out for you. I will keep my word."

Konnya's head pounded. She dropped to her knees and pressed it with the heels of her hands.

"You only have so long before this life fades," Tur'svan said. "One touch, and I can free you if this constant switching."

Konnya jerked away from her touch. "Shadow Formers are known for treachery." She nodded. "I'm not one of you. You're just going to transform me to keep yourself alive."

Tur'svan spat. "Human ideas. The truth was already twisted when our people were still alive. In a thousand years the truth has gone from story, to legend, to myth. The only one who knows the reality is me." She sighed. "You would too, if only you believe me."

"Never."

"Then you will die. A Shadow Former can only hide itself for so long."

The pounding in Konnya's head felt like someone hit her in the face with brick over and over again. She wished Tur'svan would talk louder.

Tur'svan knelt beside her. "You've been alone for so long, Konnya. I know how that feels. And I can help. But I've also lived through a life-changing experience, and I know how scary that is. I can give you more time to think about it, but," she closed her eyes, "memories of different times will surface."

The pounding grew harder. Konnya cried out and fell on her face. She took a shaky breath. "Do it."

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