The buzz of silence pierced Suarus's ears. Her eyes stung, eyelids heavied with sleep. Her sight aimlessly stared at the shadows on the ceiling, unidentified shapes shifting. The soft motion of Tirus's breathing next to her took her back to their childhood. To that time when they used to sleep curled up next to each other just like they were supposed to tonight. She thought that Tirus's presence would calm her anxious heart, not knowing that it would make her cling harder to this life and the familiarity of it, making her fearful of tomorrow and what it will bring.

Tears trickled down the sides of her face, devoured by the pillow. Her hand tightly squeezed the sun-shaped pendant, the thought of Lanesirus aching her heart. She turned on her side, lost in Tirus's peaceful face for a long moment before reaching for her hand, gently pressing it against her wild chest, forcing her tearful eyes shut.

Mother, lend me your strength, for I desperately need it.

***

Three black ravens flew the monstrous leafless tree, gigantically standing in the mist. Suarus watched as they fluttered over her head, disappearing into the darkness. Three black feathers fell to the ground, transforming into three ghostly figures of men. Fear rose in her as she realized they came for her. Ankle-deep in thick tar, she tried to escape, desperately digging into the thick substance, sinking deeper with every move.

A laugh tolled in the emptiness of the space. Frantically, Suarus searched the darkness, momentarily blinded by the fiery green figure of a person suddenly shining upon her, emerging from the decaying tree not far away. Everything evaporated as it approached. Her heart thudded hard against her ribcage, almost failing her as that being stood ablaze facing her. It melted, accumulating on the ground inches from her deep sunken legs.

Paralyzed she was, unable to move or scream. It glided over to her legs, ascending her body. Its unbearable coldness wrapped around her, crushing her ribs. She wheezed, clouded gaze locked on the blazing image of herself. Without warning, it shapeshifted, attacking her face, its thick substance penetrating her mouth and nose, burning as it disappeared inside of her.

Suarus coughed, gasping for breath as she raised off the mattress, her hands wrapping her neck. Tirus's touch caused her to flinch. She saw her friend's concerned face, muted lips moving. She heard nothing but the drumming of her heart.

'Suarus, breathe. You were dreaming!' She finally heard Tirus say, handing her a glass of water.

Suarus inhaled, painfully gulping, water burning as it passed her throat. 'That thing was,' her voice quivered as she stared at her trembling hands, 'real.'