Beautiful Darkness

➵The Prophecy

           

The trees are thicker than ever, clouding every inch of sky in their wake. After my earlier discussion with Roman I have begun to take comfort in the solace they provide. Within this eternally forbidden forest I don't have to hide what I am- who I have become. I don't even recognize myself. I've had these abilities hardly a week and they have already managed to wipe the floor from underneath of me and change my perspective on not only the world around me but how I see myself.

A prophecy? What does that even mean? I understand what they are but a prophecy hasn't been given for centuries. If this group of Light's aren't taking me to watch my family's execution then what is the real destination? Davina seems to have the strong belief that I won't survive whatever this unrealistic prediction has condemned me to. Regardless of whatever it says, that doesn't mean I have to participate in its delusions and false promises.

Roman's words remain to echo throughout my mind in a new form of torture.

'You blame any problem you can think of on the Light because it's easy. Because you can't accept the mere possibility of things being somebody else's fault. You are weak.'

The way he snapped... I've never seen anything like it. I never came to the realization that maybe Roman isn't who he pretends to be. The sarcastic charmer. The silent hunter. The loyal soldier. The deadly weapon. There are too many shades of him to count. Deep within his twisted truth he made himself a home. But it's a place where I can't follow. No one can.

The darkness within me grows stronger with every breath. I can feel it like a second pulse. How can I possibly save myself from myself?

I gaze up at the midnight sky; I can't find a single star. There are times when I miss the light but I'm not afraid of the dark. I hear voices screaming to run away. Yet I see not black and white but silver and grey.

Roman's whispers follow me when I try to leave. Clawing and etching themselves into me causing me to remain rooted to the quiet spot in the forest. Something burns inside of me; anger eats me alive. I want to hate him. I want to prove just how wrong he is. A deep truth within me rests upon my shoulders.

I can't.

Because he is right.

This entire time, my entire life, I have believed the Light are the only evil. That without them the world would finally know peace. My people would finally know peace. As much as I want to protect them I have to accept that among us are the guilty. We are all guilty. The difference between us is who is recognized for their sins.

"Hey." Davina's small voice shatters the world my mind barricaded itself in. I move my head towards her direction in acknowledgement but remain silent.

"We are going to head out in the next hour. The burial will be starting shortly." She informs. Her throat clears in the uncomfortable quiet as she shifts her wait between legs. I give a curt nod. After a few moments of hesitation she leaves.

Scuffling noises near me grab my attention. The wolf from before is back. His black fur almost completely blends into the world around us. Piercing blue eyes are the only thing recognizable. He makes his way over to me and sniffs the ground surrounding me.

"Did you get hurt before?" Concern is confusingly strung inside my question.

The wolf shakes his head once. I sigh with a resemblance of relief. One less casualty on my conscious.

"The funeral is starting soon." I tell him while finally moving my legs. He follows me as I anxiously return to the group.

The clearing before has been cleaned up decently. Whatever blood soaked the ground has disappeared along with the bodies that were littered across the area. Three holes have been dug side by side- each containing a person with flower pedals sprinkled over them. I already missed the procession. Natalia is being held by Daniel in comfort while Davina is gathering herbs. My eyes connect with Roman's and I look away faster than I thought possible. I never want to look at him again.