The night continued. Shadows blended with deep and were unabated by the hidden moon.

Gabs lay still under her blanket. Eyes tightly closed, her fingers curled around the fabric holding it tight. Occasionally, she would smile or moan quietly.

The shadows congealed. It formed a sleek snake-like dark mass. Growing substance and weight, it snaked under the blanket. Starting at her feet, it curled around her toes, to the left ankle, and then the right. Cold and smooth, it caressed her calf, moving to her thigh.

Gabs’ smile widened. She shifted, legs opening just a little wider. Her lips parted and Aldren, his presence, filled her. His eyes became a vision in her dream.

“Release” a deeply quiet voice urged.

In an instant, she wasn’t herself. She was suddenly nothing at all. Everything that she had, was and will be didn’t matter.

Gabs felt herself floating. It was gentle and pulling her under. Her body relaxed and the pain withered away. Deep thoughts of rejection became non-existent. Concerns about her achy hip and bad eye disappeared.

There was no need to fight. This was natural. She would never see the light again and nor would she need to.

The voice told her so without saying a word.

No light. Never more.