The Secret Twin: Chapter 17

I lay in my bed, curled up under the covers and reading by the light of a torch. I tried to enjoy the book, but my mind kept straying, forming thoughts and putting them together like the pieces of a puzzle, yet I couldn’t quite see the bigger picture. I tried to figure out what message my brain was trying to send me, but my thoughts were clouded with exhaustion. Eventually, my brain had had enough. I put down my book and nestled into the silken sheets. Sleep came easily, washing over me like the tide on a beach. Soon, my eyes closed and I sunk into a restless sleep.

Darkness engulfed me. I was standing in a pool of shadows, blackness the only thing I could see. Whispering voices hissed all around me, speaking messages I could not understand. All of a sudden, a flickering image appeared infront of me. It showed Magnus, but he was twisted beyond recognision. His face was paler than usual. His startling blue eyes were bloodshot and his skin was a startling landscape of cuts and . He reached out a shaking hand, as if begging me to help him, before disappearing. It was replaced by a picture of Selena, curled up in a shaking ball and sobbing, tears falling from her red- rimmed eyes. There was a flash of light and she too dissolved into the void, her cry of pain still ringing in my ears. Next was Ivan. He had his wand raised bravely, but his face was bruised and battered, with curse marks riddling his shredded clothes. I clenched my fists as I saw the people I loved most diminished and helpless, tortured by pain and fear. Finally, it was my turn. I was wrapped in silver chains, which curled around my body like snakes. My eyes were pure black. Tendrils of darkness extended from my fingertips. All my friends had backed away from me, fear reflecting in their eyes. I stumbled back in horror, a scream building in my throat, but my voice wouldn’t work. It was like being stuck in your own conscience, unable to move or speak, watching the world go by, yet not being able to do anything about it. Suddenly, whatever had been holding me up gave way beneath me and I found myself tumbling into the abyss. As I plunged into the dark, I finally let loose a wail of terror. Then I melted into the shadows.