She struggled against the heavy, leather straps holding her to the seat, a familiar knot of terror building in the pit of her stomach. The machine was activated and everything began to shake as its massive, lumbering parts spun. It pulled at her very soul, its dark energies violently tearing her apart. When it was over and the rumbling had stopped, she opened her eyes and saw herself.
But not herself. Her twin’s smile was wicked and there was something disturbingly sinister behind her eyes. The rest passed as a blur…she was dragged up several flights of stairs, a rope fitted tightly around her neck, and then she was falling…
Nara’ia awoke with a gasp. The sun elf sat up in the bed, catching her breath as she wiped the cold sweat from her brow. She rubbed her neck, choking softly as the unwelcome memories flooded her mind. This was the third time that week she dreamed of being held in the bowels of Castle Avernus, of being ripped in two by Azalin’s apparatus.
She reached for the glass on the dresser beside her bed and gulped down two mouthfuls of water. Taking a glance at her reflection, Nara’ia knew that *she* could see everything as well. Her two halves were merged back together physically, but the unrelenting evil lingered within her still.
Bernard would be taking her soon, but there was something Nara’ia had to do before that happened. She had to tell someone.
The first people who came to mind were her dearest and closest friends, Sofiya and Cote. They would stop her, though. Neither cared very much for Bernard, and they certainly did not trust him…
I trust you Bernard…
What about…? Her mind drifted to another man, one she had not shared a real conversation with in over a year. After all this time there was still a slight ache in her heart whenever she thought of him. He might be more objective then those she was closer with. Dipping a quill in ink, Nara’ia began to write.
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Dear monsieur Ray,
There are things need to be said that I haven’t the courage to speak. I fear I am losing myself. The darkness within me, born by Azalin’s terrible machine, is threatening to take control. If it were only I endangered by this conflict then I would endure, however this is not so. As long as the black rabbit threatens to overwhelm my mind, no one within my vicinity is safe.
I know what she is capable of…what I am capable of…and it frightens me to my very core. How do I live with myself knowing that at any instant tragedy might strike by my own hands? Something needs to be done, and it needs to happen sooner rather than later. Bernard confided in me that he found a solution. I need to take this chance no matter how risky it may be.
If it isn’t an imposition, I would like to stop by your office sometime soon so we can discuss this in person. I do still think of you and hope you are well.
Sincerely,
Nara’ia
