Page 133 of Scorned

The thunderous sound beating in my ears slowed to a few small thuds, Thump . . . thump . . . . . thump . . . . . . . before my heart finally stopped.

The fire licking my senses turned to ice, shivering through my veins and quieting me. Quieting my soul.

Then came . . . silence. Nothing but silence.

No trumpets blared enchanting melodies, nor did violins serenade me while beautiful angels escorted my soul to the other side.

Only a silent tomb of white noise. A soundless cage with no way out.

With that came darkness. Nothing but darkness.

The bright welcoming rays of light and pearly white gates many speak of were absent, as were the puffy clouds, the bottomless wine cups, and feasts of plenty.

Only a void of nothingness.

A black plague rotting my body by the second.

Until a new sensation buzzed through me, tickling every nerve I had.

Fresh flowers caressed my nose, expanding my once empty lungs, and a voice, more beautiful than a songbird, danced into my ears.

“Open your eyes.”

How can I open my eyes when I’m dead?

Soft, gentle fingers brushed against my cheek, the warmth of them comforting me enough to allow my eyelids to drift open, and I now stood upright in a beautiful, plush field.

The sun above casted its rays upon a beautiful woman with golden skin and russet hair as she grinned with pride.

No . . .

She wasn’t a woman.

Adorned in a white, almost transparent dress, stood a goddess. A subtle glow of golden light radiated from her, spilling onto the vast field of flowers below her bare feet.

Contemplating the possibility of a heaven, I asked the only question that came to mind. “Are you an angel?”

“No, my sweet child. I am one of the Keepers, the Goddess of Vigor. My job is to remind you of the power you now have. The power you must contain. Never let the bloodlust carry you away.”

Before I had a chance to speak, a flood of sweet warmth rippled through me, now licking my body with pleasure. Waves crashed against my soul, filling it with an immeasurable strength.

Images of everyone and everything I had ever loved flashed at rapid speed, a lingering reminder for me to keep my humanity while I harnessed the power of immortality.

Her voice spoke to me once more but this time, her lips didn’t move.

Never let the power take hold. If you give it permission, it will own you.

Many have succeeded, others have failed. When in doubt, remember these words.

The darkness shall not command thyself. Thou shall command it.

Do you promise to honor yourself while upholding the oath of humanity?

Something deep inside of my soul compelled me to agree without hesitation. “I promise.”

With a flick of two fingers that reminded me of Shayla, my body plummeted back into the darkness, a whirlwind of emotions consuming me.

A divine spark discharged through my existence, lighting my veins on fire and bringing my soul back to the land of the living.

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