Chapter X - Tale 38: Shadow...

I wake up at dawn, the room is dark. I hear an incredibly low grunt, barely audible.

"There is somebody in the room. Is it saying something? I can't understand it!" - I think, feeling curious.

I pay more attention to the grunt, and I notice that he approaches slowly, getting closer and I hear it better. It's close now...

- What do you want? – I ask, trying to understand him.

He answers with a loud roar, looking like a mad dog! I see a translucent shadow on my side, advancing on me. What's this shadow?

My hands start to twitch... he tries to control my legs, arms, and mouth. I realize that this shadow is an evil being!

"Our Father, which art in heaven! Hallowed be thy name. Let your Kingdom come... - I say it mentally.

He leaves and I regain my movements. This type of entity hates prayers. The prayer bothers them, and they move away.

I get indignant, the shadow urged me on, approached very slowly, and almost managed to dominate my body! How did I let myself be fooled? From now on I won't fall for this trick!

A week later I have a dream... I'm sitting in a church pew. The walls are gilded and have arabesques. I listen to religious music on the organ. It's a cold and gloomy place. I look to the side and don't see the faithful, I find myself alone.

That's weird! The church has no pulpit! But what am I doing here?

I notice that a detail, in the corner of the wall, seems to change shape, very slowly... I fixed my gaze on it.

What could it be? It seems that a face is forming... I try to understand...

I pay more attention... a face appeared! What is coming out of his little mouth?

From that mouth comes the shadow, howling, and attacks me!

I realize he is trying to control my body. I fell for the same trick; I can't believe it!

- He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my God, my refuge, my fortress... – I recite "Psalm 91"

A white light hits him, in an explosion...

And the shadow disappears.

Then two wraiths come and lie on the bed, one on each side, squeezing me.

- You're beautiful, you know? - says one of them, being lecherous.

For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will be safe... - I keep praying.

And the specters flee, flying away. I notice that these are of a different nature from the shadow as they can communicate clearly.

- Thank you, Lord, for your protection. - I thank God, in a sigh.

In the afternoon, I call my mother:

- Mom, I can't believe the being manipulated my dream! He created a church, which looked real! The strange thing is that there was no pulpit in it.

- The pulpit is the altar of the Lord, it is sacred, and that is why it did not appear. – he explains.

- He urged me twice, in different ways! I'm sure the angel of the Lord was there!

- The Lord protects you.

- But how did he get to me?

- Curiosity... they also see through curiosity. – she warns.

- Did anyone send it to you?

- I don't know, God doesn't say anything.