#assiyah

Alli stepped carefully into the hallway, descending the stone staircase slowly. The further she descended, the more completely the darkness swallowed her. She shivered, but not from the cold. This darkness was terrifying; it was so heavy, so complete – like an abyss. She knew, though, that if she conjured fire to light her way she would be caught. So she continued forward, her fear growing with each step. Soon, she reached the bottom of the stairs, but the floor had by no means leveled out. She placed a hand lightly on the wall to her left, wrinkling her nose slightly at the dampness. She couldn’t see anything now, nor hear anything but the excruciatingly loud echoes of her footsteps. Occasionally she would hear dripping noises or would step in a puddle, making her jump and making her imagination run wild with what could be lurking in the shadows. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally saw a din light in the distance. Determination replaced fear, but there was still a slight nagging in the back of her mind. Like she needed to turn and run away as fast as she could. When she eventually reached the door she hesitated. It was a large, wooden door with rusty iron hinges. She peered through the face-level iron bars. It was a small, dingy room, with only a lantern hanging from the ceiling lighting it up. Across from the door was a small, wooden desk with parchment that had been frantically scribbled upon, ink and a quill atop it and a chair tucked neatly underneath. To the left was an old, wooden bed with a thin, tattered mattress. Sitting atop the bed was a man. A man who immediately looked up at her, mouth splitting into a twisted grin that revealed sharp teeth. His eyes were as black as the threshold of darkness that she had just crossed, his was skin so pale that he seemed almost like a ghost and he was so thin that the angles of his bones were almost wholly visible. Despite his almost sickly appearance, there was still a strange sort of handsomeness about him. Something that was somehow alluring. She shivered again, unable to hide her fear. “Alli,” Her name rolled off his tongue in a silky voice, both sickening her and making her heart beat faster. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s an honor to finally meet the Red Dragon in person.” He stood up and bowed, then walked to the door. “How can I help you, my lady?” “Cut the formalities,” she snapped, unable to stand the man before her, “how do you know my name?” “My mistress is always watching, you see. She watches everyone. She has told me about you and your tremendous power.” “Who is your mistress? How can she watch everyone? And what’s with all this ‘dragon’ stuff?” Alli spoke in a rush, her frustration building. “I was told that if anyone in this school would know about what’s happening to me, it would be you. Now, explain.” “So you’ve transformed once already?” His eyes widened in mild surprise. “My mistress will be very interested to hear this.” “Stop avoiding my questions,” She growled, grabbing him through the bars by his collar. “Explain.” “I’m not at liberty to divulge everything. There are things that you must find out on your own. But what I will say is that there are seven of you, including my mistress. Seven gifted with the tremendous power of the dragons of old. If you wish to regain your lost memories, go back to the mountains and find your crystal. Your destiny is upon you,” He said cryptically, a sneer spreading across his face once more.