The World As We Know It

Chapter Sixteen

I was in forest clearing, watching snowflakes drift to the ground in a sheet. A small pond rippled with each fallen flake, its cool, blue water distorting my face. I knew where this was. The city skyline glittered like diamonds against the pitch black sky, and I gaped foolishly, taking in the lovely sight.

"Do you remember?"

She was behind me, gold eyes watching. Hands clasped before her, she moved to my side to gaze into the pond. I studied her, noting the fear in her eyes and the strained smile. How did I miss that before? Her eyes lifted to me, waiting for an answer.

"No, but I know I have forgotten who I am."

Relief flooded over her face.

"It is small," she said softly, "but it is a much needed step."

"Do you know who I am?"

Her gaze returned to the pond.

"Once."

We stood in silence watching the surface of the pond ripple. I could feel the presence in the forest, waiting for the woman to leave the safety of the clearing.

"Is that Kane?"

Startled, the woman looked up.

"He has found you?"

When I didn't answer, she fell to the ground in a whisper of silk.

"No. It is too soon. You need more time."

Panicked, she thrust her arm into the pond, searching wildly for something.

"What are you-?"

"Help me look!" she cried.

Puzzled, I knelt down beside her and stuck my hand in the pond. The icy water sent chills up my spine, but I ignored it trying to find something, anything. My hand bumped against something, and I closed my fingers around it. From the pond, I drew a necklace. The woman paused in her search, her mouth slightly agape. On a polished, silver chain was a stone about the size of my thumbnail. It seemed like a diamond at first glance, but upon closer inspection, I found that it changed color. Not in the way a prism would under light, but like it was alive. It was hard to tell when one color started and another ended, but each color was distinctly different when you realized it had changed.

"Is this it?"

Stunned she shook her head.

"No, but this might be better. Put it on!"

I slipped the chain over my head, surprised to find the stone warm against my skin. The woman rose the pond, staring balefully into the woods.

"I must go."

She moved slowly back to the forest, her head down.

"Wait! Isn't there anything you can tell me?"

Pausing, she turned to face me.

"Find this spot. It is the only safe place for you."

With that, she resumed her trek back into the woods. The shadow waited patiently for her, its arms reaching out as she passed the tree line. Wrapping the woman up in a black, misty rope, the shadow carried her off as her shrill scream pierced the air.