RIXAS DE SANGUE: Part 7
Saturday, July 24th, 2010Rixas de Sangue, Part 7
“With wide eyes I watched as Solon came up to Emil’s side. His features were lit with an eagerness he had not presented before. He grabbed my wrist, hastily pulling it to his mouth. I felt the tearing of my flesh.” Bendis was silent as I continued my story.
“The pain was acute. I was aware of my blood being forced through my veins- pulled out and away from my heart. My heart pounded in response as if it was its own entity- assisting the process- pushing my essence through, feeding them.
“They were savoring the taste of me. I felt them caress my back, my arm, my cheek -tenderly. One of them kissed me on the mouth- I was beyond recognizing either of them. I thought I felt his tongue, but it wasn’t cold- it was liquid fire. It did not seem to be meant as erotic. Perhaps it was meant to soothe me? My eyes closed.
“This death was very long and painful. Then all went black. It was the deepest abyss I had ever known. I was floating in it. It enclosed me; black then blacker still. It was darker than death, slower than drowning. Suspended in nothingness and unable to move. I tried to scream. No noise escaped- like a muted dream.
“Then, the shadows came. They were lighter than the midnight chasm that surrounded me. Amorphous at first, then- becoming tunneling spider webs, continuous shapes I didn’t understand; like fluid black vines in an ocean depth. They distorted and morphed.
“I was entranced. I didn’t feel the need to pursue the shapes into the tunnel they created. I curiously watched them. The shadows changed again; becoming red. Not just red- but a deep crimson; pulsing, throbbing, full of fire.
“That drew me. I sought to be a part of it. I felt its desire for me, wanting to shroud me, devour me. The inferno grew in strength, glowing red hot and concentrating into the center…changing, absorbing everything around it into an orb of luminous white- distant but increasing as I gazed at it.
“The crimson overtook the abyss; the orb overtook the scarlet. Building upon itself it grew larger, more radiant- a star with a million points of light, growing brighter still. I tried to raise my non-existent arm to shield my absent eyes. That is when I heard the thunderous waves crashing over and over. The white radiant star became brighter. The clamor came faster.
“The supernova burst brilliantly, blinding me completely, I was enveloped by the sun. The waves were louder.” I paused, feeling Bendis’ eyes still on me. She sighed.
“A sound came underneath the deafening swells. I heard one of them say, ‘She is waking now.’ “
“The swells became more distinct, thumping rhythmically. The light was a pulsating heart. It was so loud. Was that my heart pounding? It couldn’t be. It was too loud, too fast. I drew in ragged, hissing breaths, panting because I couldn’t suck in enough air. The white hot red fire coursed across every part of my skin.
“ ‘Amara ? ‘ ” It was Solon speaking softly. “ ‘Amara, you need to calm down. Try to breathe slower. ‘ ”
“How could I? Nothing felt right. The sun still had me encased in its fury. I took in a long deep gasp, filling my lungs. It burned my throat, my chest filled with that fire that danced along my skin.
“My eyes opened, the light assaulted them. I squinted painfully. As my eyes adjusted, I searched around me. I saw Solon. His dark eyes seemed bright, his skin seemed more gilded but the stout man also seemed more kind. I eyed him questioningly.
“Then, Emil came into my vision. It all came crashing into perspective- I should be dead, but I wasn’t.
“What… have… you done?” I spoke in a low, furious tone- my breath seared my inflamed throat and burnt lungs. My tongue felt swollen.
“His excitement spoke volumes . Before he spoke I screamed. The noise of it died off in my throat. My mind was everywhere. My pulse buzzed in my ears, an electric thrumming.
“Under the simmering combustion on my skin, I was aware of my body. It was unnerving, feeling so much going on inside me, and that pissed me off. I wanted to claw my flesh off. I bellowed again. I was on my feet instantly, fingers clenched into claws – I wanted nothing more than to kill Emil. I stalked towards him.
“I felt a gentle restraining hand on my shoulder. “ ‘Amara…’ ”
“His voice so tender, my head jerked in his direction- I felt my lips curl up baring my teeth – I would take him down too. But, his wizened, understanding expression gave me pause. I sank to my knees, gripping my head in my hands.
“ ‘Why? Why would you do this to me? ‘ ” I cried.
My grief was overwhelming – much more devastating than it had been before I… before I what? What had happened to me? Did I die? The potent hammering of my heart said that that wasn’t quite it.
“My head swirled with questions. I felt like running. But where would I go? What would I do? I knew nothing of who I was now. I moaned.
“Solon’s arm moved to encircle me in a comforting gesture. He helped me up off of the floor. I buried my face in his chest, sobbing. He gave me a small measure of solace. Emil took that moment to speak. “ ‘In time my dear, you will see that the decision I made for you was for the best.’ ”
” I didn’t need to respond. Solon’s voice was disparaging.
“ ‘Emil, this is beyond your grasp. You are too far removed from compassion to truly see where her dilemma led her. ‘ ”
“ ‘Well… it is done.’ ” Emil took offence.
“Solon swept me from the room, sensing my need to be away from the beast that was hurting because I didn’t appreciate his “gift”. I followed where he led me.”
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©2010 N.M Faria
