Back to the Dream Page
Chapter 18
Her heart was pounding. Even as she woke up, she could feel the tension mounting in the air so that by the time she was completely awake, her breathing was coming in pants and her body was filmed with a light sweat.
It's almost time, she thought to herself. But time for what?
She pushed herself up with her bound hands. Her body creaked from the twisted position she'd been laying in. Gently, she rolled her head, trying to loosen the stiff muscles of her neck before concentrating on loosening the rest of her body. She knew he watched and was thankful he didn't bother her. She could feel his thoughtful look on her but paid him no mind, calming her heart for the moment.
It was then that she noticed that her fever had broken. Although still feeling slightly off balance, Mel was relieved that her sense of mind had returned.
She expanded her consciousness, leaving her shivering body so that she could feel the thinness of the air. A few feet away from where she sat, water rushed by wildly, crashing somewhere further down. The mist cooled her cold body even more but comforted her nonetheless, helping her think calmly, letting her aquatic sense run through as a follower of Casta.
Beyond the rushing water, she could feel the cool touch of night upon her and the reassuring presence of the nocturnal creatures watching in fearful anticipation. Some offered their Energy but Mel graciously declined. Despite this though, most around her offered themselves to her disposal, if she wished, to help destroy the one who'd harmed so many. All were willing of course, except for one, the one that needed to be put out.
Mel shifted her attention to the man who continued to stand still, observing her. There must be a weakness somewhere. No one is perfect, so what is it? Shadows of memories tried to shape in her mind. She got the feeling of having come across this individual countless times in past lives… Maybe even this one. Once that came into mind, her brain raced to find a face or name that matched the personality she'd become acquainted with these past few days. Even as she tried to grasp the elusive memory though, she felt the shadow stir and move toward her, as if he'd sensed her train of thought and wanted to stop her from getting any further.
He made his way toward her, stealthily coming closer on silent feet. Even as she raised her arms to block his approach, he pushed her down unkindly. She yelped at the sudden pain and he took that chance to force some liquid down her throat. She gagged and tried to cough up the thick liquid that tasted slightly of blood (their blood mixed together, her spirit cried) burned inside, joining and strengthening the poison already inside her. He forced her to gulp down more and more of the concoction until she felt as if she was in her fevered state again. Whatever it was, it threatened to make her forget what she was doing; the burning was so great.
"Don't fight it, Mel. It won't do you any good. I'm right here, waiting."
Mel's mind snapped back to the present. She knew.