Sleek enemy

IRIS POV

Waking felt like stages; at first, I wasn't sure if my eyes were open or closed since it was all dark, the darkness so thick and murky that I felt I could reach forth and grab a handful of it.

Then next, my head felt heavy and round and couldn't stay still, for my neck suddenly couldn't hold it any longer.

Then letting thoughts fill my head; whatever content they held, I just thought about it. Trying to place my hand on if I was awake or not.

Then I began to hear sounds like a lighter, and when the first ray of warm firelight hit, I knew I was awake.

Then the memories of my last encounter flowed into my head, and the betrayal stabbed me again.

"Good evening, princess."

I turned to see him; at the end of the room, he was playing with a lighter, striking it and tapping it so the fire went out.

His face, that gentle shyness, wasn't there anymore; in its place was a wicked glare at the firelight, a dark countenance of what would soon happen.

And instead of fear, I felt a