When Darkness Falls

Prologue

In the darkness of the night, they could sometimes be heard, even by those who could not see.

They would let out triumphant bursts of laughter, swooping gracefully in pairs, or occasionally, completely segregated - their presence filled terror within the minds of anyone in close range. The sound of their approach would rip nothing but fear from the very beings which lived there.

Some people in Eros called them creatures of the darkness, who lay dormant while alluring sunlight filled the village, until it is no more, and they can once again feast on the souls of those who had been left to die on the lone piece of rock which had risen out of the ocean. Other people were led to believe that it was the darkness itself which drove humans to the brink of insanity.

Different families liked to tell different variations of the story.

Hidden away in the shadows of the slums, however, one girl was born with the ability to see the creatures which plagued the city from the beginning of time. When she looked up at the night sky she would see the hungry eyes of the devil, and its lazy grin that only she was able to appreciate.

However, with seeing the darkness, she was also able to see the light; to see the beings which shone among the sea of blackness. To feel the powerful ones who protected each and every person from the horrors that were unleashed every time the sun disappeared behind the fold for another six months.

This one girl alone, knew that she could call to the beings she believed to be angels - especially as the lights would begin to fade - and her cries would be heard.

If she really needed them, and called to the lights, they would listen.

And somewhere in the world, her archangel answered her calls.