The morning light of Aditya filtered through the windows. Scattering across the floor. Tingling, as Tarander slowly opened his eyes. He still sat in his reading chair, holding Arahu’s book.

» How long have I been reading? I must have fallen asleep. So typical of me. « A light chuckle escaped his lips. The book still warm from his touch felt lighter than it had last night. He paged through the book and then gasped. There were pages missing. Simply ripped out of the book.

» B…But I could have sworn. «, he mumbled. The book had been complete yesterday. Tarander was sure of it. He cast a quick look out the large eastern window. It was a normal day. Aditya hanging in the sky. Casting her golden light. Nothing seemed to have changed. He slowly made his way to the small chair next to the window. Sat down. On placed his forehead against the cool glass. What was going on? Was he finally going insane?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

» Hello Tarander. I think you have something that belong to me. Would you be so kind to give me the book you are holding? « Tarander looked up as this dark raspy voice filtered through his thoughts. He didn’t say anything. Who was talking? And as Tarander’s gaze found the window, he saw it. In the reflection of the window a large black figure hulked behind him. Shadows dancing around its form. Two dark red eyes gleaming through the darkness where the face should be.

Tarander felt a sharp pain as something wound itself around his neck. He got spun around and pulled towards the boiling darkness. He was pulled by a long whip that ended in a claw-like hand extended out of the dark body of the figure. It slowly lowered its head towards Tarander, who flinched back as the foul breath stung in his nose. The whips grip tightened and Tarander was pulled closer to the dark void of a face. As the creature spoke its voice seemed to fill out every fiber of Tarander’s being. » You can call me Alastor. And we are going to have so much fun together. «

THE END