Demons Don't Feel Love

Chapter Eighteen: ShadowLand

Annabelle's POV

I woke up early to make breakfast. By the time I finished, Daren was awake. He walked quietly into the kitchen and started helping me set the table.

"Did you sleep okay? You seem tired still." I asked him.

"I've been dreaming more lately. I woke up a few times, but I promise I'm fine." He answered, grabbing silverware from the drawer.

"Well go ahead and sit down, breakfast is ready." I set a plate of food in front of him, and gently ran my fingers through his hair. That's when I noticed there was a small leaf in his hair. Softly removing it, I asked him about it.

"Do you ever sleepwalk?"

"I don't think so." He said.

"I'm starting to think you did last night." I informed him, showing him the leaf I had pulled from his hair. "No wonder you're so tired." His hands were shaking as he examined the leaf.

"I guess so. Does it scare you?" He asked.

"Does it scare you?" I asked instead.

"I came back home, at least." He replied, avoiding my question.

"I'm not scared, but I am a little concerned." I stated, sitting down to eat with him. We sat in silence for a while as we ate breakfast.

"Daren, if I were to be honest with you about something, you'd listen, right?"

"Of course." He replied, looking at me curiously.

"Well, I'd like you to see a doctor." I said nervously.

"Fuck." He said, coughing. "With ace timing like that, it's not a doctor I'll be needing, but a funeral director!" He said, nearly choking on a bite of toast. I looked at him in fear of his reaction, to which he stared back at me, somewhat confused.

"Oh, right." He said, realizing I was being serious. "Is this about the dreams?"

"Among other things, yes." I agreed.

"What other things have you so concerned for me?"

"A few days ago you came down with a fever, and did you forget that a day later you took those pills and nearly died because of it? If I weren't constantly asking you about how you're feeling, would you have any regard for yourself at all?" I said sternly.

"I'll see a doctor for you, because without you I seriously fear I'll succumb to my affliction." He said, getting up from the table.

Daren's POV

I was terrified. She was right, yes, I needed help; but also she was so close to finding out about my endeavors with MORTIS, and I hadn't even had a chance to confront them yet! I gripped my arm, digging my nails deep into my skin. I desperately wanted to breathe, but I felt like I couldn't. I left the hall and snuck off to the bedroom. My anxiety worsened, and I felt like I might've been dying, though I knew it was all in my head. I gripped the wall and pulled myself into the bathroom while directing my gaze away from the mirror. Intense vertigo brought me to my knees as I cried, cursing my body for its vengeance, and wishing I could tear out my lungs as punishment for rejecting oxygen.

"Just let me die already!" I pleaded to inanimate surroundings.

Annabelle's POV

I finished the dishes, then walked upstairs to make sure he was alright. I entered the bathroom only to find him quietly throwing up. I knelt beside him and offered as much comfort as I could, but I couldn't suppress my fear.