Mariam couldn't shake off the feeling of unease after her meeting with Serabi and the haunting message from Emily. The darkness lingered seeping into her bones as she felt shrill all over her body.
"I must see Serabi tomorrow", she said.
She peeped through her window to see if the stars in the sky could show her the glimpse of hope but the city's neon lights seemed to mock her. She felt trapped in a web of her own making.
Just when she was about to close the window and bury her thoughts in deep sleep if she could get a momentarily peace at least, she saw a shadow moved and twisted into grotesque forms.
Mariam's mind reeled as she recalled Serabi's words: "The cost of this power is yours to bear."
Suddenly, the room plunged into darkness. Mariam's breath caught.
"Serabi?" she whispered.
The lights flickered back to life, revealing a figure standing before her.
"I am the vessel," the figure spoke in a low and menacing voice. "You have freed me."
Mariam's eyes widened. What had she done?
Mariam's heart pounded as she stared at the figure before her in total panic but unable to scream.
"Who are you?" Mariam demanded.
The vessel's face twisted into a grotesque grin.
"I am the keeper of your secret," it hissed. "And I demand payment.
"What payment?" Mariam stammered.
The vessel's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light that reflects in spectrum.
"Your sweet memories," it whispered. "I will consume them, one by one."
Mariam's horror grew. Her sweet memories were all she had left of Jameson.
"No," Mariam protested. "You can't take those."
The vessel's grin widened.
"Watch me," it sneered.
With a wave of its hand, Mariam's memories began to fade.
Jameson's smile, his laughter, his warmth – all disappearing.
Mariam's despair deepened.
"Serabi!" Mariam screamed. "Stop this!"
But Serabi was nowhere to be found.