Page 30 of Where Darkness Falls

“He would’ve killed us, and you know that,” I hiss.

We continue on in silence after that.

The mist becomes lighter once we enter the clearing next to the house. After a few more minutes, we trudge up the stairs to the house, sneaking inside so we don’t wake anyone. Once inside the foyer, we take off our shoes and make our way to the staircase. The stairs are old and creak slightly when you walk up the center of them. So, I cling to the side nearest the wall, with Cara following closely behind.

My eyes grow heavier with every step I ascend.

“Perhaps we should discuss the events from tonight after we’ve rested,” I say.

Luckily, the shop is closed tomorrow, which means we will have plenty of time for discussion in the afternoon. Cara’s droopy eyes meetmine as she nods her head—the outline of a bruise forming under her right eye. Her once bright smile is now dull, as her skin has taken on an ashen hue. Her eyes don’t sparkle or glisten with merriment. She’s depleted of strength for any further conversation.

My heart aches to see her in such a state.

“I am sorry, Cara,” I whisper.

“I know,” she replies weakly.

“Goodnight,” I whisper.

Without another word, she slips into her room. The sound of the lock clicking into place echoes in the stillness around me.

My cheeks feel hot as my vision blurs with tears—my heart shattering from what I’ve done. I wish I could make her understand that what I did tonight was to protect us. When I felt the surge, it’s as if another part of me unlocked. A part that perhaps I’d forgotten existed. Somehow, I knew exactly what to do. Was it my instincts… or my rage?

As I stand in the hallway, I wonder if killing that soldier was worth it. In the end, he’d kill us, and our bloody corpses would be found by the villagers at first light. How would Rolph or Amelia feel to see their daughter lifeless on the cobblestone?

I wipe the tears that continue slipping down my cheeks.

No, I cannot think of such things.

We’re home.

We’re safe because I killed that soldier.

She will come around,the otherworldly voice soothes.

Startled, I quickly enter my room, locking the door behind me.

When I first heard the voice, I thought it was a delusion I’d conjured from too much ale or even from fear. Yet, I’m practically sober now, and I still hear it. This time, I notice their presence in my mind more clearly. It lingers in the background of my thoughts, a gentle existence.

This no longer feels like an illusion… Which I find horrifying.

“Don’t speak as if you know her,” I snap

Oh, but I do know her through your memories, Maeva. I see your familial bond with her. I can assure you that she’ll be more willing to hear what you say in a few hours,the voice replies.

“Who—”

You don’t need to speak aloud for me to hear you,says the gruff, feminine voice.

Who are you?I say, throwing the thought out into the recesses of my mind where I feel the voice’s presence.

When the voice doesn’t respond, I project another thought.

I do not appreciate you poking around in my head if I don’t even have the liberty of knowing who you are, I say, irritated.

You’re not ready for me to reveal who or what I am yet, my dear. You don’t even comprehend who and what you are,the voice says.

Are you saying that you know who I am?I ask.

---