10 "Miraeth"

Song: Black Swan - BTS

*****

It had already been about 10 minutes. Karina was walking further and further as seconds passed. Twilight had already faded to a comforting black; though it was far from it.

The streets seemed to be lit with street lights as the city roared like it did every night.

However, the path Karina was on seemed to be as dead as the splatter of old dried leaves near the sidewalk. A cool breeze passed her, leaving her frightened more than ever.

Milo still hadn't arrived. How was she going to face this creature? She was just a mere human; nor was she equipped with any knowledge on how to save herself.

Another blow of cool wind passed her, but now with a twisted cold undertone. The street was empty now, her heart dropping.

It had come back.

Karina led out a loud cry as she saw the creature in front of her. It was as big as a large dog, but not distinguishable as its shape was undefined.

Darkness surrounded it; the subtle cluster of noises clouding her senses once again.

It advanced towards her, as she let out a scream. It was a split second but she couldn't move, as she stood there, paralyzed.

Before it could touch Karina, it disintegrated to bits, the remnants drifted. She was panting loudly, her eyes fixated on the remnants, of what was about to attack her.

Milo stood in front of her. "I'm sorry."

Karina didn't answer back. She couldn't do anything other than stand, at a loss of words.

"I'm sorry, Karina. I really am." Milo was searching for any expression of response on her face.

Karina was heavy-lidded and distraught as she looked up at him. She slowly nodded and joined him.

"How…do we get there?" Karina managed to let out a small whisper.

"We'll fly."

******

"Fly? W-with your…wings?" Karina's voice was faint; her level of comprehension was worn out.

"Yes. Nothing will happen, I've hidden myself."

Karina didn't have the energy to question, be intrigued, or object. "Okay."

His fingers brushed against her skin, embracing her, one hand caressing the side of her neck. The other was firm around her waist.

An intoxicating sensation enveloped Karina's senses as his white wings shot out; everything turning bright.

Her mind became less conscious, the awareness of his touch fading away, a muzzy inkling.

*****

A bright light was all she could see with her hazy vision, as she felt two hands holding her. Karina's eyes landed on the figure that held her.

Angel... Even with feeble vision, Milo's divine presence was noticeable; she could hear faint heartbeats of his cold hard body pressed against hers.

The neutral speed she got used to, fluctuated, like gravity pulling her down.

Her consciousness remained for a few seconds until her eyes gave out.

**********

Karina woke up from the sweet but short slumber. "Are we at your house?"

"Yes. Come on." Milo steadied her from his grip.

She was greeted again with the familiar house she remembered waking up in a few days ago. Holding her bag close, she entered the big abode.

The room was dimly lit; a gloomy presence hanging in the air. A scented aroma reached her; she desperately took it in, wanting to wear off anything from before.

Jonah was the only one in the room, seated in the lounge. He seemed to have waited for Karina since he got up immediately once he saw her, "Karina! Are you alright?"

"Yeah.. it's fine. It's fine." That wasn't convincing.

"Were you hurt?" Jonah's visibly concerned expression comforted her for a second; at least one person believed her.

"No." She sighed in exhaustion.

"Do you want to take rest now?" Milo removed his coat and slung it over a hook.

"No no. We need to talk about this and I need to do something about it."

Milo and Jonah nodded as they sat down once again.

"Where is Gabriel and-"

They cut me off faster, "Dario? Gabriel is back in Enkeli. Dario is probably roaming the skies or whatnot. Can't blame him." A wave of relief passed over her.

"I see. So…what was that thing? Was it really what Dario was talking about?"

"A Miraeth. They're what you can consider darklings. Creatures of fear and darkness. Not really fatal,"

"But if you're trapped in a Miraeth's net, it can control your sanity, your mind. It can torture you and play with you. You can be cured though. But it's used by people to manipulate or spout lies in the person's head and such." Jonah continued.

"So…that's why I felt like these noises just surrounded me…eating me up."

"That's indeed a Miraeth's job. Though…it didn't do anything much to you. The noises you talked about seem, mild." How would Milo know?

"You're saying that thing didn't mean to do anything to me?" The silence was so loud every subtle body movement was heard.

"Yes…it was definitely sent by someone. The thing about the Miraeth is we can't know who sent it unless the Miraeth confesses itself."

"Then…we need to find the Miraeth."

"Yeah. I think we should."

"Who would be after you though? You were just a stranger; a random mortal." Jonah looked at me in disbelief.

"She isn't exactly a mortal now is she, Jonah?"

"Then what is she?"

"I don't know. I can't sense a bit of ichor in her." Milo immediately continued after, "Ichor…is like the equivalent of blood or bodily fluids. Our physical bodies are made of ichor."

"But just so you know, It's not about ichor referred in Greek Mythology," Jonah smirked while letting out a small chuckle.

"I can't sense ichor, I can't sense anything; only human. But it doesn't make sense; her ability, why someone sent a fucking Miraeth after her."

"How do we find this Miraeth now? Last time I saw it crumbled to bits."

"We can revive it; by going to the place where it disintegrated. Dario is best at reviving lone Miraeths."