In Shadows of Night

Prologue

Prologue

Cora

I woke to a sudden breeze invading the warmth of the heavy blanket currently caressing my skin. Here, alone with my thoughts, the still, calm quiet in the atmosphere is almost painful. I feel suffocated in the clingy, static air. In quiet, still moments like these, I can almost feel Him. I don't know who "Him" is, but I can feel his, no- its, presence. It's almost calming, especially on fearful, anxiety fueled nights. An overwhelming feeling of safety surrounds me when Him is near. Usually, it's the strongest after my nightmares. They aren't as common, now, but, right after everything happened, I was having them every night. I'd wake up and swear I was drenched in blood, my eyes and lips sticky, my nose filled with the smell of iron, blood, and fuel.

Him first made his appearance after Everything. From there, he just never left. I can almost always sense when Him is near. Today, though, his presence is stronger than usual. I can almost feel Him next to me, weighing down the mattress. Some nights, I roll over and imagine how he looks, envision his smile or the sparkle in his eyes. He's never there and I'm left clutching to the thought that he exists, staring into empty air.

Tonight, though, I swear I can reach out and touch him. Extending my hand gently, I sweep my hand out into the darkness and meet an inexplicable warmth. A scream rips from my lungs as hands cover my face and two icy blue eyes stare back at me, daring me to speak again. A soft cloth caressed my nose and mouth before I felt myself fade into bed.

"I'm sorry, my dear." I didn't recognize the voice; it was female, soft and soothing. Whoever she was, she was comforting, almost motherly, but younger, leaving me to drop my defenses almost immediately. A heavy sleep washed over me, my eyes growing impossible to keep open. There, in the shadows, I swore I saw him, standing tall and regal.

"Bring her home, Birthryn, I'll see her there." I stilled at the sound of Him's voice, he chilled me to the bone, like exposing the quick of a paw- instantaneous and raw.

"Yes, your grace." Birthryn's voice was obedient and true, waiting to obey. His power charged the room, fueling the overwhelm rising in my heartbeat. My pulse quickened as I fought whatever they'd given me, desperate to seek even a glimpse of him. His hands scooped me from the bed as I fell limp in his arms.

"Rest, Cora, you will be home soon enough." His voice was fleeting; I was already gone.