Jewels of Darkness - 7. Aliquantulum Somniare

“Man is a torch borne in the wind; a dream but if a shadow, summed with all his substance”1

George Chapman2

Home again early that morning, as the sun was spreading its colours across the new sky, Evelin went to bed to sleep after the date. Curling up on her warm bed, she began to dream about how perfect the date was; her Muse let her rest, knowing it had to formulate a strategy to outclass the Muse of Light. Blocking out the sounds of the city outside her window, starting to wake up in time for the morning rush hour, she drifted into a sweet sleep.3

Memories of the date fluttered in her mind, in the same way a million butterflies endeavour to evade time; each one tried to find its own place in time, yet wanted time to never catch up with them. The memories evolved into silence, leaving Evelin’s mind free from itself; the emptiness left behind traces of the past, fragments of Evelin’s sanity, and the Muse’s pity it had for her.4

Darkness, on Her swift wings, sat on the bed, watching Her messenger sleep. Folding Her wings back, She knelt down and whispered into Evelin’s ear, with a soothing and comforting voice, yet it had an edge of malice. “Dear Evelin, awaken your soul. Arise to your mistress.” Though still sleeping gently, Evelin sat up on the bed. Darkness smiled, like an effigy on a tomb; She looked alive, yet was holding the dead close to Her heart. She spoke again, in the same, unchanging voice. “Evelin, look at me. Smile at your mistress, the creator of the Muse that inspires you. Look at me, and see your love.”5

Evelin, slowly waking up, turned to look Darkness in the eye. “You lied to me. You said I would see my love, my one true love. You said I would see Adam.”6

Darkness laughed. It was a chilling laugh, yet there was something motherly and warming in it, like Darkness was someone to fear and trust. “My child, that scum is not your love. He is your enemy. He is the favourite messenger of Light, likewise you are my favourite messenger. The Muses fought over you the day you were born. My child, you must come with me.” Darkness shifted, causing Her wings to create a song so salient, Evelin was lost for a moment in the beauty. “My child, you must come with me; you are in danger if you stay here and Light finds you.” With an effortless, and single movement, Darkness stood to Her full height, wings outspread, catching the morning light like a thousand stars in the midnight sky.7

Evelin, too, stood up. “I will not come with you. I will wait this out. I love Adam. I refuse to let you take me away from him.”8

Darkness looked down at Her messenger with compassion. “My child, I am taking you to see Adam before it is too late. Trust me and you will be safe. Take my hand and I will help you be with your love.” She held out an elegantly flawless hand, the red glow strengthening, meaning a flight was imminent.9

Evelin took Darkness’ hand, and felt her life fading. She tried to break free, but Darkness was too strong; they were already in flight, and going straight to Adam’s small flat in a council estate.