Chapter Seventeen
Luna sits before me as one would in front of an altar. Her face although clearly enraptured does show signs of genuine concern. As I come back to my surroundings, I feel the connection with Inanis has grown tenuous. My mind feels clearer, but before I can get a grasp on what is happening, I feel Inanis’ attention snap to me. I feel his presence fill my mind and the clear feeling before seems unimportant. Seemingly without my consent Inanis and I begin speaking as one. “You are now Luna Grayson. Concubine of the prophet.” That was unexpected. Wife or something of that nature was what I was expecting. “You shall bring forth a new generation. They shall be children of the void! Are you ready to serve Luna?” My mind separates from Inanis somewhat as I hear the word serve. From this perspective I understand that he sees our followers more as slaves. He says only for me to hear. “You are my only child prophet.”
Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. There is hesitation in her eyes. I become one with Inanis again and an almost imperceptible pulse radiates from my body. Her features succumb to reverence once again. “Yes, my lord. My only wish is to be of service.” The thought occurs to me we may be subverting her will. “Your mind is slipping further from me recently prophet. These are useless thoughts. We are almost one. Beings such as her are beneath you now.” This is disturbing, but his presence swiftly consumes any doubt. I extend my hand offering her to take it. After a moment of hesitation, she takes it and we leave the crypt.
We make way to my place. Just before we arrive, I stop. Memories of Trish flash through my mind with such force I must use the wall to support myself. I know Inanis is trying to speak to me. It’s so quiet. A torrent of memories come forth beyond just those of Trish. As I sink to the floor Luna looks around confused. She nods clearly flustered. I think Inanis spoke to her. She goes into an unused room. Just before the door closes she looks back. Her expression is lost to me. A force clamps down on my memories pushing them to the back of my mind. It’s so painful.
My eyes become clear. I must have passed out. The back of my mind itches and I start scratching my head. It doesn’t help. Inanis becomes one with my mind again and the itching stops. “Perhaps this is too much for you my son.” I’ve never felt romantically to anyone except Trish. Is that all this was. A panic attack. I feel amusement, satisfaction, and perhaps some relief. “That is all it was right Inanis?” Almost too reassuringly he says. “Of course my prophet. You have been through much.” Something doesn’t feel right, but I’m too tired to think. I stagger the remaining distance to my bed losing consciousness the moment I lie down.
Dreaming is strange. Inanis is never in my dreams. It’s hollow and yet somehow freeing. Nightmare or not I find it pleasant. Tonight however it feels too real. A mirror stands in front of me. Only I don’t see myself as I am. The pitch black skin and hair pulling in light slightly. Instead I see myself as I was before the crypt. He appears to become aware of my presence. He starts pounding on his side of the mirror. Screaming something I can’t hear. Drenched in sweat I wake. “What the fuck....I need a shower.”
After I’m ready I head back to the gate intent on going north. Inanis comes to my mind. Knowing what he’s going to ask I tell him. “Not now. I’d rather not go through another panic attack.” He’s disappointed. “We will need the children eventually. Don’t wait too long.” With a stone from the crypt I set out to expand our territory.
Outside the area influenced by the crypt my connection with Inanis grows weaker. It is much easier to think independently from him. He becomes more and more irritated the longer I do. The journey to the city he mentioned consists of him pulling our minds together whenever I go too far. The city is Washington D.C.
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