Beautiful Darkness

➵The Chasm of Voices

"Kick." Natalia orders as my body corresponds with her commands. I thrust my right leg at Ruelle's frame. She deflects the move easily, leaving me more defenseless then before. The countermove she provides causes her arms to wrap around my neck efficiently choking me. Stomping hard on her foot with mine causes a weakness in her hold. I take full advantage.

A strong force pounds into my back sprawling me across the forest ground. Dirt escapades into my mouth leaving me disgusted and defeated.

"That was more pathetic than your first attempt." Natalia's voice is dripped in condescendence. We have been practicing for two days relentlessly. My control over my abilities had been perfected while my physical training lacked. I steel my eyes without speaking. My body drags itself back into a standing position while I try to keep my head held high.

"This is hopeless, you're not going to win." She continues. The words cut deeper than I would like to admit. Her confidence in me has dissipated along with my own belief in myself. I naturally do the one thing I'm good at- lashing out.

Some brutal force of passion and pent of aggression controls me as my focus sets on Natalia. With one hand I yank her head as hard as I possibly can while launching myself on top of her. Both of my legs wrap around her and slide my body behind her until I rest across her back and shoulders. I wrap her fiery locks around a fist as I use the other to cut off her oxygen. I steadily crush her windpipe gently enough to not cause serious damage but enough to still inflict pain. Ruelle is still processing what is happening in front of her as Natalia slams my back into a nearby tree. Our disturbance has gathered the attention of group as people begin to gather around including Orion, Roman, and Lincoln.

"Is that all you got, damsel in distress?" She manages to bite out between gasps for air. I lift my weight and kick off. I quickly scramble up the tree branch by branch. Leaves cloak all within it as I become one with the camouflage it provides.

"Reveal yourself!" Natalia yells into the silent air. My movements are without sound as I finally feel in control of the situation. Climbing and nature were my childhood.

I contemplate my moment to strike carefully. I need an opening that will completely expose her. The opportunity reveals itself as she turns her back to gain the attention of the crowd. My actions are animalistic as I glide from each branch until I drop myself completely on top of her. The weight throws her down onto her stomach. My dagger meets her throat as I keep a steady hand on the back of her neck to keep her down.

"Do I recall you labeling me as a damsel?" I let out a cocky smile as I grin at the others.

"Alia." A voice whispers daringly close. The sound forces my heart to skip a beat as I go rigid, not believing I heard it. I adjust my hearing to hear any and all sounds.

"When will you save me?" The memory of the lavender field causes my hands to shake.

"Get out of my head." My eyes dimly begin to water as I press my hands over my ears. My actions gather everyone's immediate attention. The dagger falls from my grip and clatters onto the ground.

"What is it?"

"Are you okay, Princess?"

"Who is in your head?"

The questions of my newfound companions fill the already deafening quiet.

"The Dark One is hurting me." Anessia's whimper gathers my undivided attention.

"Where are you?" My breath can be seen through the cold air. I look around wildly searching for her. Seconds seem to last for hours.

Forceful hands shake my shoulders.