Chapter 8
Here we are, onto part 8 of The Night of the Renascent! When I started this writing prompt, I had no idea it was going to go on this long, I honestly wasn’t sure what would come of this process. I’ve had a lot of fun writing Malia and Sebastian’s story and there have been plenty of elements left open for the reader to fill in on their own.
I’m curious though, what are your thoughts? Do you prefer a longer prompt like this one or a shorter one that can be completed in a single posting? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
When we left our heroes, Malia had awoken to an empty campsite, Sebastian having been taken by The Dark, leaving behind signs of struggle.
The Night of the Renascent: Part 8
*Copyright 2024 by Kaye Roan & Blue Dandelion Press, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
It took too many precious moments for my heart rate to return to normal, before my eyes could take in any more than the red pool that was slowly seeping into the dirt, mixing to create the most ghoulish type of mud. There was a ringing in my ears that kept me from hearing the silence of the forest, all of the animalistic night sounds had gone quiet in the presence of a bigger, darker monster.
I scrambled to my feet, slipping on the muddy ground, and nearly hurled my guts up right there. I took in the shredded bedroll, the trail of dark brown and red droplets that led into the woods, and leaned over, trying to catch my breath. The tingling in my limbs told me I wasn’t getting enough air, that the panic that was welling inside of me was getting the better of me.
Sebastian’s stern face flashed before my eyes and I could practically hear the taunting and frustration he’d let loose on me if he saw me now. I wasn’t weak or useless. And he needed me.
I sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly, then another, and another, until I could finally see clearly and the sounds of the world around me returned as the ringing faded away. I gathered the few things around the campsite, mostly Sebastian’s weapons, and daggers of varying sizes and shapes, all wickedly sharp. Carefully, I stashed them wherever I could within my clothing, making sure that I could reach the hilt of any given weapon should I need them.
The trail of Sebastian’s blood led into the trees, and a horrified part of me knew that The Dark had ensured to leave such a thick trail on purpose. I wondered at the extent of Sebastian’s injuries for the amount of blood he’d lost already. I squared my shoulders, though I still shook like a leaf, and stepped toward the woods, one foot after the other. I knew each step would bring me closer to another death, another moment where I was helpless and unable to stop the evil that permeated this part of the world. The one that, no matter what seemed to have complete and utter control over my life.
I was desperate and angry, but it felt suspiciously like I’d already given up. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling exactly, all I knew was, The Dark could have me, as long as I got Sebastian back first. With that knowledge firmly in place, I took off into the woods, disturbed that the trail of blood could still be easily followed, despite my increased pace. I crashed through the limbs and trailing vines leaped deftly over fallen tree trunks and giant stones that stood from the ground like monuments to time. My cheeks stung as whip-thin twigs slashed at my face, and thorns from wild rose bushes buried themselves in my arms, dragging their talons along the soft skin.
The morning sun continued to rise, casting long shadows where it peeked through the forest canopy. Mist burned off the leaves as the morning air heated. I ran, racing against the sun and the death that I could feel looming over my shoulder. I would find Sebastian if it were the last thing I did. And if it were the last thing I ever did in this body, I would destroy the evil that thought it could control my life and keep me from my soul-bonded.
The forest gave way to a clearing and I burst into a beautiful meadow with soft green grasses and a well-organized garden bordered by a short wooden fence. Behind the garden, a tiny cottage of wood and earth. It was a deceptively gorgeous scene, one that spoke of peace and tranquility but beneath the surface, I could feel the rot that infected each blade of grass. Even the birds refused to sing.
Strung up, tied to a post in the center of the garden, amidst the giant pumpkins and oversized cabbages, a man hung, looking very much like a genuine scarecrow. My throat convulsed and I realized with shock and horror, it was Sebastian hanging there, his head hanging and his body sagging.
I barely heard the screech that escaped my lips and I darted toward him. I leaped over the short fence and tripped on the long vines that served as the lifeline to the pumpkins and various other gourds that dotted the garden ground. I skidded to a halt at his feet and yanked one of his daggers from my belt then sawed the thick ropes that held his ankles to the post. Probably not an approved manner of using his beloved dagger but I thought he would appreciate my efforts nonetheless.
I pressed my ear to his chest, listening for that telltale thumping, the sound that echoed in my own chest. Surely, I would know if he were dead. Beneath my ear, a soft noise reached me and I felt the slight rise and fall of his shallow breath in his chest. I sobbed in relief and rose onto trembling legs. I lifted his face to mine, hoping, praying he’d open his eyes and look at me, open his mouth, and yell at me. Something.
“I wouldn’t if I were you,” the hissing sound came from behind me and I whirled to meet the very thing that haunted every nightmare I had and had plagued me for 500 years. Swirling black tendrils of smoke and mist slowly dissipated to reveal the true face of The Dark.
Part 8 brings us so much closer to the end of this writing prompt, which has become quite a bit more intense than I’d originally thought!
Next week, it’s a showdown between good and evil.
If you’re just joining us, go check out parts 1-7: https://www.bluedandelionpress.com/category/writing-prompt-wednesday/
Happy Reading!
