Sleep with the Lights On ✔️

23. Second Trial

They'd been walking for what seemed like hours, and Cassie refused to slow down. Fion was trailing farther behind now, Evander was determined to keep pace just behind Peros and Peros kept his eyes on Cassie. The fog was starting to rise again and Cassie snapped her head to the side "Don't stop! Don't stop for anything!" She hadn't offered encouragement since the fog had cleared hours before. 

The fog rose on all sides but in front of her was a bright light.

"My Daughter, my Blessed Daughter," a warm voice echoed through the fog. "You are doing so well, and the end is near. Do not be afraid and when it is all over, I will come to you and you will be safe." The voice spoke slowly, it seemed like she had heard it before. vague memories of impossible meetings shifted in her head, had she heard the voice in a dream?

"Do not be afraid," The voice sang as the light faded. Cassie quickened her pace and opened her mouth to question the voice, but she could not speak.

The fog darkened and pulsed around her as she marched on, the sounds of her companions behind her were muffled in the fog, she couldn't be sure if they were still there but she refused to turn around.

Something ran past her ankle. She began to jog as something flew low over her head. The fog was a deep black now, and darker shadows were circling and swarming in it. Her heart beat hard in her throat. Cassie began to run, she could feel needle thin claws ripping at her clothes, trying to tear her flesh but she ran harder. The fear was overwhelming and the shadows became stronger and faster. She couldn't see them but she could feel them all around.

"Do not be afraid," the soft voice rang through her head. She began to walk, focusing on her breathing as claws and teeth ripped through her clothes and skin.

"I'm not afraid," She whispered through a grimace. Part of her knew that the clawed shadows were in her head but the pain was real.

"You are afraid," a voice rumbled out in reply. A deep voice, an ancient voice booming from below the fog. "You are always afraid."

"I am not afraid." Cassie said, her voice quiet but firm. A claw dragged down her back and she cringed in pain. "I am a little afraid, but I am not going to stop."

The fog began to thin and then clear, Peros was at her side as the mist settled on the ground. He immediately reached for her hand and held on.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, I am. Are you?" she stared into his face, and he nodded.

"Fion?" Evander's voice called from behind them.

They still hadn't stopped moving. "Not much farther to go." Cassie said, ignoring Evander. Fion had failed the trial.