Beautiful Darkness

➵Electricity is the Strongest Weapon

           

A cold reflection stares back at me through the transparent mirror. The appearance of the girl staring back at me is completely unrecognizable. Untrusting and dark eyes now replace the familiar innocent ones that once captivated her features. Internally, conflicts swirl around her mind and heart. She craves to hate and despise what she is, but a growing part of the girl has come to savor it. She strives in the newfound independence and capability the dark abilities have provided her with. Without it, emptiness and relentlessness ensnares.

My mind now recognizes the girl as myself.

I notice a soft flickering of my eyes from violet to black as the different sides of my subconscious battle. I find myself wondering if one side will ever conquer the other in this game of survival.

"Arailia, it's almost time to go." Ruelle's soft tone brings me back to reality. My thoughtful gaze meets her eyes as she takes in my appearance. A satisfied smile sets upon her lips.

"You look stunning." She says. I want to thank and agree with her, yet my mind refuses. I take in my physical appearance in the mirror. The long dress is a striking silver that compliments my hair. The material flooded with lace and perfection clings to my waist as the neckline forms an accentuated heart around my chest. My body type matches well with the overall style. My hair has been curled to form patterns I have never seen. Cultural braids to match my ethnicity are strategically placed to highlight my facial features and to allow my eyes to be seen clearly. Tall heels strapped up my ankles add height to the look. Eyeliner and makeup adds a fierceness to my features that I find myself liking. I can only imagine what the outfit I am supposed to fight in looks like.

"Thank you. You and Nat really tied everything together well." Ruelle simply nods and motions for us to get going. Natalia has all the weapons and extra things I am bringing, leaving me left to simply leave the room. I exhale a shaky breath.

Never-ending pairs of eyes watch us as we enter the gathering room of the small inn. I keep my eyes forward, refusing to allow my eyes to search for the one pair I ache to see the most. Reflecting on my last conversations with Roman and Orion, I decided to shut them out cold. I cannot afford to be more distracted than I already am.

"Luna." Lincoln's voice rises above the murmurs and thoughts swirling in the air. His knee lowers to the floor until he is in a clear bowing position. All the wolves follow the action. I simply nod in acknowledgement, unsure of how to respond. Ruelle begins to lead me away but I plant my feet to the floorboards.

"I have words that must be spoken." I address to everyone. Undivided attention surrounds me. I hesitantly clear my throat before proceeding.

"I wanted to thank every life in this room for the sacrifices and dedication you have all so easily given. I do not deserve your respect and loyalty, for the beast inside me seeks to destroy it. Within the past weeks I have not only found trusting companions and friends; I have begun to find myself. I thought I was forever lost to the chaos I create. I believed I was unworthy of devotion and happiness. I have finally found a shred of peace in knowing that if I am to lose this impossible battle before me, I would do so happily. If I am to take my last breath tonight it would be with ease because I know that I did everything possible to survive- to save you all." I finally allow my eyes to meet the faces of those before me.

"My goals are simple. The Light throne has been corrupt and madness ever since it was born into existence. Antonis will never be able to harm another soul or take an innocent life once I am finished with him. The Dark One will not prevail because we will be united. We will unify as one. One bloodline. One family. One province." I finish. I quickly descend after Ruelle to make sure we will not be late.