The darkness is coming.
Even as the words echoed in my head, it felt like a dark mist was already stirring from the depths of my soul, overtaking all that I was. It triggered so many unwanted memories that the guilt had once again become overwhelming. I wanted to shut it out and I had the ability to do so, but after the council meeting at the Great Dome was dismissed, Vivienne reminded me why I simply couldn't. I remained in my seat long after the Elite Council left and Vivienne stayed with me.
"It's killing me," I confessed.
She nodded knowingly. I rarely had to explain myself to Vivienne. She understood. "I can see that. Guilt can be quite an adversary, but it's also your ally."
"How can that be so?"
"It's the only thing that keeps the darkness from completely taking over."
Her words, as they often did, haunted me.
Before she left me on my own, she turned to say, "You need her back. You won't be able to handle all of this without her."
