The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 20

Darkness was around her. It covered her from the inside, spreading through her veins until it reached the surface. She wasn't always like this, it's a shame.

She was resting on the ground, sleeping. Peace filled her face, something that hadn't been seen for quite some time. The world had treated her unkindly, as it does to every innocent soul. It takes and takes and takes, until the innocent is corrupt.

Or simply ceases to exist at all.

Her soul was long dead before this night, too much to bare for such a feeble creature.

If only she hadn't relied on so many people. If only she hadn't trusted certain people. If only she was stronger.

If only...

She woke with a start, taking in big gulps of damp air. The cave wasn't her first choice for a home, but where else could she have gone? Nobody would except her now.

She stood, her violet dress started at her neck and trailed behind her. Black lace sleeves made her pale skin even paler, but she didn't mind. Besides, this was her favorite dress.

She stepped over some rocks until she came to a wall that was covered in black cloth. Placing her hand on the cloth, she exhaled, her fingers curling around the fabric. She could feel the smooth surface behind it. God, how desperately she wanted to rip the cloth away and gaze upon her reflection.

But she couldn't, and she knew that. She reminded herself of that everyday.

What had become of her? To once live a life full of joy and happiness, to now succumb to an eternity of darkness. She could taste the bitterness on her tongue. She'd gave everything, and gain nothing. And, this was her fate.

Her body began to shake in spite of herself. She spent nights crying herself to sleep, but now she was pass that. All that filled her now was rage. Pure, hot, revenge filled hate.

A scream tore itself from the base of her throat. Bending down, she hurled an average size rock against the wall behind her. It shattered into millions of tiny pebbles.

She glanced back at the cloth, completely still in the dark cave. Every inch of her wanted to punch the glass, watch as is shattered into a million crystallize pieces.

But, with what little control she still had, she didn't. She needed this reminder. A reminder that the person you truly are is deep within. No matter if you are able to see it, it's there, waiting to present itself to the world.

Something echoed in the distance, drawing her attention away from the parasite. It was only her in this cave, she knew that to be true. The sound could only me one thing...

Someone was coming.

Using her newfound abilities, she let them warn her of the immediate danger lurking in the shadows. Bunching her up her skirts, she slithered into an alcove, out of sight.

There, she waited. Waited for her moment to strike.

* * *

I felt something tighten around my arm as if made it's journey to my shoulder.

I was still dreaming of the girl and the cave. I could see her vividly in the violet dress, her arms adorned in black lace. It was a very beautiful dress.

I wanted to see her reflection. When her hand came to the black cloth, I waited with bated breath for her to reveal what she looked like. What kind of woman would sleep in a cave in a dress like that?

But she didn't show herself. Instead, I could feel her anger as she threw a rock against the wall, shattering it to pieces. Whoever this woman was, she was strong. But I could also sense a slight sadness to her. She may have been strong, but she was hurting. Deeply.