Written May 5th, 2020 1:03 AM

“Hold on. I should go first, I have better reflexes,” Ailith explained, pushing past her friends to peer into the pitch black magical darkness. She couldn’t see in the dark like her friends, but her other senses had adapted exceedingly well to make up for it. Feyra gave her shoulder a squeeze of encouragement, her non-magical eye closed to allow her to peer through the darkness  in front  of them. Taking a deep breath Ailith took a step into the room, swallowed by the inky blackness. Her ears picked up a sound coming from in front of her – stone grating on stone. She heard clothing rustling and whatever was in the room with her gave a small chuckle.

“Well well well. A  brave one, I see.” Ailith heard Feyra let out a gasp behind her but didn’t turn away from whoever was in front of her, eyes blind but wide. “Do me a favour, won’t you?” The voice was smooth and distinctly male, sounding highborn. “Go deal with your friends for me, dear.” Ailith froze as magic assailed her mind. She tried to fight it but she felt herself turning around, facing Feyra and her friends. She met Feyra’s gaze and clenched her fists, squeezing her eyes shut.

When she opened her eyes, Ailith was back in Sully’s tavern. Her friends were seated at her favourite table by the window, waiting for her. She sat down opposite Feyra, who was staring at her intently. “You’ve gotta snap out of it, Ailith. You can do this. We’re counting on you.” Feyra’s words sunk into Ailith’s mind. She found that she couldn’t reply, nodding her head instead. Feyra gave a small smile as Ailith closed her eyes once more.

This time when she opened them she was surrounded by darkness, facing Feyra who’s body was rigid with tension. Ailith winked at Feyra and was rewarded with a huff of laughter before turning back to face the void. “It was a good try,” she called out, “but I have a thing about taking orders – especially from men.” She stepped to the side of the entrance to the room, giving her friends room to make their attacks.