Chapter 13: Take Your Stance

There is something in my room.

It reeks of rot and death. The usually clear air is thick and murky, like a swamp I’m trying to wade through. Its aura is pressing down on me from all sides and drawing in a single breath is a struggle.

“Princess. . .” It drawls, and I am frozen in place, trapped in a nightmare that refuses to let me go. My heart sprints as a shadowy figure that is darkness incarnate draws closer to me, sucking in all light and life into its impenetrable void.

Evil in its purest and realest form.

I want to run, to flee from this creature that should not exist, but my limbs won’t obey me. I can’t shift.. My muscles are tense and rigid, as if they have been held captive by an invisible force.

Fear has me captive in its cold grip, and it suffocates me.

“You are a long way from home, Princess Astrid. . .” It says, and my blood curdles when I feel its cold breath on my neck. A whimper escaped me when sharp canines brush my neck and a tongue darts out to taste me. Cold sweat b