Fayelf: prologue
A long time ago, her mother had told her that safety was imaginery. An illusion built on uncertain but lovely things. Not unlike birds singing and the sun shining on a moment of peace amidst the chaos of life.
It was easy to believe in something so very lovely. It was her choice, was it not, to keep the darkness at bay, her world lit and safe.
Even as rain started to patter softly on her, the sky darkening slowly, her bubble did not burst.
At least, not until the sun disappeared completely beyond dark clouds, rain lashing down on her hard. Only then did she notice the darkness was growing fast as a mist devoured her surroundings.
Her mind was sober then and horror was filling her insides. It all happened so fast after that. A twig broke somewhere behind her and she turned, knowing she would have to face the creature.
The wolf stared at her solemnly, locking its steely gaze with her. In that moment there was only one thought in her mind; run. Run!
Instead she fell down, the wolf on her quicker than she could get up. It was snarling at her, its sharp teeth closing in on her as it approached her with slow, calculated steps, certain of its advantage.
Horror grew inside her like a disease, leaving her immobile. She could only think. Think of the words she had heard so many times before.
Never let your guard down, Fióna, or the darkness will get you. And when it does, you must fight.
As always, it was her mother's voice that burst the nightmare. The same words, reminding her to fight.
She never recalled whether she had fought or if she had lost. All she remembered when she woke was her mother's words, her voice still ringing in her ears. You must fight.
*