Sunlight slipped gently through the hospital window, accompanied by a soft morning breeze that brushed against my face.
"The day has finally come."
I had been discharged after a week and two days. My entire life, I've tried to make sense of a world that has none… and yet, I still believe something.
We are all different—
in what we believe,
in what we do,
in what we choose.
And those differences deserve respect.
But above all… I value freedom.
Everyone is free to think, to act, to choose. And through those choices, we shape who we are… and define our purpose.
I still haven't found mine.
But I will.
I'll walk forward until I discover who I am… and why I exist.
And until then—
I'll protect my friends.
I let out a soft sigh and stood up.
— "It's time to leave."
After getting dressed, I stepped out into the cold white hallways. Each step felt like walking toward a new beginning… a life filled with mysteries.
— "I wonder what's waiting for me…"
I entered the elevator, but just before pressing the button, I heard footsteps approaching.
I waited.
The doors opened…
—and there she was.
Professor Eclipse.
— "Thank you for waiting, dear Dark."
— "Of course, Professor."
The elevator began to descend…
and suddenly—
it stopped.
— "Great… and today of all days."
She simply sighed, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. I hated the smell… but I didn't have the courage to say anything.
— "While we wait… would you like to hear a story?"
I thought for a moment.
— "Sure… I wouldn't mind a story right now."
She handed me a cherry lollipop.
— "Something sweet for the wait."
I accepted it silently.
Then she began.
—
"Long ago… it is said that the Goddess of the Moon descended to Earth.
She lived among humans… and eventually met someone special.
A boy.
As time passed, love blossomed between them.
But one day… she discovered the truth.
He was an angel.
Even so, they married… and had a child.
But tragedy came.
A cursed being murdered them both… leaving only the child behind.
A child… condemned to a tragic fate."
—
I exhaled softly.
— "That's… beautiful. And sad."
Without thinking, I leaned slightly against her shoulder. She smelled… strangely comforting.
— "Professor… can I ask you something?"
— "Of course."
— "Why are you always around me?"
She paused… thinking.
Then she smiled.
— "Because I like you, Dark. It feels like I've known you for a long time."
— "We're similar. We both search… for a reason to live."
I smiled faintly.
— "You're… kind of like a maternal figure to me."
She frowned slightly.
— "Do I look that old?"
— "No, no! That's not what I meant!"
She laughed softly.
— "Relax… I'm joking."
Then she looked at me again.
— "Do you have plans tonight?"
— "Not really… just sleep."
She gently brushed my hair aside.
— "Then come with me."
— "To where?"
— "A dance."
I blinked.
— "A… dance?"
— "A formal gathering. I don't have a partner… so I'd like you to come with me."
I hesitated.
"I never go out… I'm always alone… reading, sleeping…"
Then I smiled.
— "Alright… I'll go."
She hugged me.
— "Good. I'll pick you up at 8 PM."
That night…
After a quick shower and dressing in one of the elegant outfits I rarely used, I stepped outside.
Her car arrived.
And when she stepped out…
I froze.
She wore a long black dress with deep wine-colored patterns, flowing like shadows. Her hair fell freely, moving like silk.
— "You look amazing, Professor."
— "And you look quite charming yourself."
We drove in silence.
Until we arrived.
A massive mansion stood atop a hill, surrounded by a dense forest. Old… elegant… and unsettling.
— "Let's go."
Inside, mirrors and antique portraits covered every wall. The air smelled like fresh pine.
— "This place feels… nice."
She smiled faintly.
— "I'm glad you like it."
She extended her hand.
— "Shall we dance?"
Soft orchestral music filled the room—violins and piano weaving together.
We began to move.
She was… perfect.
Every step precise.
Every motion graceful.
Her dress flowed like a shadow in water.
— "Is it hard to keep up?"
— "Not really."
She smiled… and moved faster.
More elegant.
More beautiful.
— "You're incredible."
— "Years of practice."
But then…
Something felt wrong.
The mirrors.
The reflections…
didn't match.
And hers—
Her reflection had giant raven wings.
Voices whispered around me.
— "This place is haunted…"
Her hand tightened on my shoulder.
— "Don't move."
I froze.
— "When I give the signal… run."
The music distorted.
She moved her hand.
I ran.
But before reaching the exit—
The door burst open.
— "DARK! THOSE AREN'T PEOPLE!"
Kim stood there, holding a silver axe.
When I turned—
Everyone in the room had changed.
Gray creatures.
No faces.
Wings like bats.
And massive mouths filled with teeth.
They lunged at us.
— "My flames won't be enough!"
Kim stepped in front of me.
— "I'll protect you!"
I stepped forward instead.
— "No… we fight together."
I grabbed the axe.
Charged.
Leaped off a table—
—and buried it into a creature's skull.
Kim burned another.
— "We can do this!"
Then—
A scream.
We collapsed.
— "Damn it… we're dead…"
We closed our eyes.
—
"Þanir'is älithir."
—
Her voice.
Light exploded.
When we opened our eyes—
Everything was gone.
Only blood.
Green blood.
And pieces of flesh.
— "I'm gonna throw up…"
Kim vomited.
— "Yeah… I need a shower."
I looked at Professor Eclipse.
We both smiled.
— "Thank you."
— "Rest now. Tomorrow… we investigate."
Later…
After a long shower, I lay on the bed.
Staring at the ceiling.
And for the first time in a long while…
I felt calm.
Minutes passed.
And slowly…
I fell into a deep sleep.