Calm Before the End

The manor was silent. Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, painting the corridors in pale silvers.

Inside one of the rooms, an old man sat beside a fireplace, reading a thick and weathered book. Its pages yellowed with age, covered in cramped handwriting, diagrams, and alien-like symbols.

He sighed.

“Not much time left.”

He closed his book.

“All that’s left now is to hope for the best.”

Knock. Knock.

“Grandpa?”

A familiar voice called from the other side.

The old man’s expression immediately brightened as he rose from his chair and walked toward the door.

When he opened it, he saw a young girl stood before him. She had long silver hair that fell past her shoulders, slightly tousled from sleep, and a pair of sleepy eyes that looked up at him.

The old man smiled warmly.

“Well if it isn’t Rachel, my dear little bookworm.”

He bent down to meet her gaze.

“Now, care to tell me why you are walking around in the middle of the night?”

Rachel looked down at her feet.

“Dad and uncle are arguing again.”

The old man let out a groan.

“Oh, those two…”

He gently patted her head.

“There’s no need for you to listen to all that nonsense. How would you like to sleep in my room tonight?”

Rachel’s mood immediately brightened.

“Really? Can I?”

“Of course.”

With a small smile, Rachel stepped into the room.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

***

Rachel snuggled into her grandfather’s bed and pulled the blanket up to her chest.

Meanwhile, her grandfather turned toward the large bookshelf and began scanning its shelves.

“Now, what shall we read tonight?” He asked. “How about The Little Prince? Or Alice in Wonderland? Or how about The Wind in the Willows.”

Rachel watched him for a moment.

“Grandpa?”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you something instead?”

The old man turned toward her and smiled.

“Of course dear, ask me anything.”

He closed the distance between them and sat down beside her on the bed.

Rachel hesitated and then began to speak.

“Why is everyone in the manor becoming scarier and scarier?”

The old man’s smile began to fade.

Rachel hugged the blanket tighter.

“Everyone’s skin suddenly started becoming pitch black. Everyone suddenly started getting angry all the time, to the point where they started fighting over the smallest things.”

Rachel’s voice trembled.

“First the servants, then my cousins, and then even mama…”

She lowered her gaze.

“She was always so gentle.”

Her fingers curled around the blanket.

“But then, one day, she screamed at me. She called me names and grabbed my hair. Papa had to pull her away. I haven’t seen her since.”

The old man’s gaze fell toward the floor.

“Grandpa… I’m scared.”

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Am I going to end up like that too someday?”

The old man immediately reached out and pulled her granddaughter into his arms.

“You won’t.”

He gently stroked her hair.

“No matter what happens…I promise I will protect you, my little bookworm.”

***

Rachel slowly opened her eyes.

She wasn’t in her grandfather’s bedroom anymore.

She’s being carried by her grandfather through a dark corridor illuminated by flickering lights.

Rachel stared at him. His clothes were torn. Blood stained his shirt and ran down his arms, and a deep wound stretched across his forehead.

“Grandpa…?”

Despite the pain, he managed a faint smile.

“You’re awake…”

Rachel looked at him with worry.

“What happened to you?”

“There’s no time… I’m taking you away from here.”

Rachel looked around the dark corridor.

“Where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere safe.”

The two reached the end of the corridor, where Rachel sees a wooden door.

With one hand, her grandfather pushed it open.

Warm golden light spilled into the hallway.

This room was unlike any other part of the manor.

At its center was a large magic circle carved into the floor, its intricate patterns glowing with a soft, warm light. Strange unfamiliar symbols surrounded its edges.

Her grandfather took a step toward the circle.

Then his legs gave way.

“Ugh!”

His body lurched forward, and Rachel slipped from his arms and tumbled onto the floor.

“Grandpa!”

She scrambled toward him.

The old man caught himself with his hands, coughing violently as blood spilled from his mouth and splattered across the floor.

He pointed toward the glowing circle.

“Rachel…go to the circle.”

Rachel grabbed his sleeve.

“No! I’m not leaving you!”

“Rachel…”

Her grandfather stared at her, then he smiled.

“Still as kindhearted as ever…”

He raised a trembling hand and gently touched the top of her head.”

“That’s my little bookworm.”

His hands fell.

“But… This old timer’s time has run out.”

Her grandfather reached into his coat and pulled out a worn grimoire.

The moment he opened it, faint symbols began to glow across the pages.

“Hush now, little star,

Close you eyes and wander far.

By silver moon and gentle light,

Sleep now through the endless night.”

A soft glow gathered around Rachel.

Her eyelids suddenly became heavy.

“Grandpa…”

The last thing she saw was her grandfather smiling at her.

“I…deeply regret…that this is the only gift I can offer you before…”

Then everything went dark.

***

My eyes snapped open.

I stared at the ceiling for several seconds, my breathing uneven.

“What the hell was that?”

I pushed myself upright and stared at my room.

A narrow bed sat against one wall, while a small desk occupied the corner beside a window. A kitchenette, a cramped bathroom, and a modest collection of books completed this small apartment I called home.

I force myself out of bed and shuffled toward the bedroom and began getting ready for the day.

My name is Rachel Dove. 26 years old. I have long shoulder-length silver hair along with a pair of silver eyes.

Neither trait came from my parents.

So yeah… I’m definitely adopted.

Never brought it up though.

For as long as I can remember, the Doves raised me. They loved me and I loved them, and that’s all that ever mattered to me.

I have plenty of other concerns anyway.

On weekdays, I worked a full-time job. It gave a decent paycheck.

On weekends though, I work part-time as a librarian at a nearby library café.

I liked working there, the quiet atmosphere, the smell of coffee, and of course, the books.

***

I let out a long yawn as I gathered the books customers had left scattered across the tables and carried them back to their shelves.

Seriously, how hard was it to put a book back where you found it?

“You’re looking tired.”

Lydia was leaning against the café’s counter, watching me with an amused smile.

Her full name was Lydia Hawthrone, my senior, best friend, and coworker here at the library café.

“Had that dream again?”

“Yeah.”

Lydia snorted.

“That’s at least like, the fifth time this month.”

I rested my chin in my hand.

“It was different this time, though. Felt more… real, I guess.”

Lydia’s expression suddenly turned mischievous.

“You know what’s even more real?”

I raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

She approached me and whispered in my ear.

“Lucas was totally staring at you.”

Lydia pointed to the other side of the café.

I followed her finger. And sure enough, Lucas was sitting there with his laptop open.

He was looking straight at me.

He seemed to realize that I noticed him.

He smiled and gave me a wave. I awkwardly waved back.

He then turned back to his laptop and continued typing.

Lydia looked at me with a grin.

“Girl, what are you waiting for? Go talk to him already.”

“I can’t! I don’t even know what I’m supposed to talk about.”

“Just talk about anything!”

“I’m not you Lyd! You can talk about random shit for hours on the fly. I can barely hold a conversation for 5 minutes without mentally rehearsing every word beforehand.”

Lydia sighed

“Sometimes I wonder how you manage to function as an adult.”

***

After a bit of back and forth, Lydia convinced me to go talk to Lucas. Honestly, trying to argue with Lydia is a fool’s errand.

Oh well, let’s get this over with.

I’m just saying hello to him anyways. I’ve done it all the time.

No need to be nervous… yeah… totally.

I stopped beside his table.

“Good mor-“

A massive yawn escaped my mouth.

Lucas looked up at me.

My face immediately turned bright red.

Welp, time to pick a burial spot.

Lucas gave me a relaxed smile.

“Morning. Didn’t get a good night’s sleep yesterday?”

I shook my head.

“No, I did.”

I paused.

“I’ve just been having these recurring dreams.”

Lucas tilted his head.

“What kind?”

I rested a hand on my chin.

“They are about my childhood. I don’t remember much of it, but lately I’ve been dreaming about things I swear I’ve never experienced. They feel like important memories, ones I shouldn’t forget, but at the same time, shouldn’t remember.”

“Fascinating.”

I blinked and turned to Lucas.

He had already returned to his laptop, his fingers rapidly typing away at the keyboard.

I stared at him.

“Did you just use my story as inspiration?”

He gave an immediate answer.

“Yes.”

He then continued typing.

“You’re unbelievable.”

He chuckled.

“I prefer resourceful.”

I puffed out my cheeks.

“I’m leaving.”

I turned and began walking.

“Wait.”

Lucas stood up from his chair.

“Why don’t I try to make it up to you.”

I glance at him.

“How?”

He turned toward Lydia.

“Lydia, mind if I borrow the barista station again?”

Lydia’s face immediately lit up.

“Of course not.”

She waved him toward the counter.

“Go. Capture her heart.”

My face turned red.

“Lydia!”

She responded with a grin.

***

A while later, Lucas returned from the barista station and placed two cups of coffee in front of Lydia and me.

“Here you go.”

I looked down at the cup.

A pleasant aroma immediately reached my nose.

Lucas leaned against the counter with a satisfied smile.

“I used a new type of coffee bean I ordered online.”

Lydia picked up her cup.

“What kind?”

“It’s called Arabica beans, they’re supposed to help clear your mind.”

I smiled as I picked up the cup.

“Well, let’s see if they actually work.”

I took a sip.

The coffee was surprisingly smooth.

I blinked.

“… Okay. That’s actually really good.”

Lucas leaned against the counter, looking please with himself.

Aah right. I haven’t introduced Lucas yet.

I should probably get on with that.

His full name is Lucas Lyter. He’s a pretty good-looking guy, with short black hair and pitch-dark eyes.”

He was a regular at this library even before I started working here.

He’d show up every weekend, writing stories on whatever topics interest him at the time.

Every now and then. he’d let me read them, they’re surprisingly really good reads.

Lucas looked at me.

“So.. Am I forgiven now?”

I puffed out my cheek and looked away.

Lucas let out a playful sigh.

“Oh dear… what am I supposed to do to make you forgive me?”

Lydia immediately chimed in.

“Go ask her out!”

“Lydia!”

Lucas snapped his fingers.

“That’s a great idea, wanna walk around the block with me, Rachel?”

I stared at him.

“You mean… right now?”

“Sure, why not?”

“I have work to-“

Lydia proudly placed a hand against her chest.

“I can manage on my own.”

I stared at her and sigh.

“Traitor.”

Lydia grinned.

***

And so, I spent the afternoon on a date with Lucas.

We took a walk around the block and stopped whenever a place caught either of our interest.

First, we had lunch at a small restaurant.

Then, we wandered through a shopping district and bought a bunch of random things.

Hmm, turns out Lucas is a fan of sushi.

Wonder if they are hard to make.

Anyway, we continued by going to an arcade, where Lucas convinced me to try some games, to which I did… I lost horribly.

He laughed for nearly 5 minutes.

I threatened to leave.

We eventually ended up at scenic overlook overlooking the city.

I knew I was supposed to be enjoying the view, but I couldn’t.

My mind was focused on something else.

That being, I had just realized that me and Lucas were holding hands.

When did that happen? Who initiated it? Him? Me?

Either way, gotta play it cool, what kind of 26 year old woman gets flustered over holding hands.

“So… will you finally forgive me?”

Lucas’s words snapped me back to reality.

I smiled.

“Yes, I forgive you.”

He smiled.

“That’s a relieve.”

“So, what story are you writing now, Mr. Writer?”

I gave him a playful grin.

Lucas scratch the back of his head.

“No idea, I’ve been lacking inspiration lately.”

He looked toward the sunset.

“That is… until recently.”

I tilted my head.

“Oh?”

He turned toward me.

“Maybe I’ll write a story about a writer who goes on a date with a cute librarian.”

My face immediately turned red.

Lucas chuckled.

“Sounds like a good story, doesn’t it?”

I quickly looked away.

“Why you little…”

I turned to look at the sunset.

A smile appeared on my face.

I found myself wishing that this routine could last forever.

I’d spend my weekdays dealing with usual headaches of my job.

Then I’d spend my weekends in the library café, surrounded by books and the smell of coffee, sharing my complaints with Lydia.

Maybe even go on more dates with Lucas from time to time.

It wasn’t an extraordinary life.

But it was mine.

And I’m happy with it.

And then…

The sky split apart.

I froze, attempting to process what I was seeing.

A massive crack stretched across the sky.

And within the crack…

Emerged an enormous eye.

It’s gaze fixed directly on me.

Then, I heard a voice.

Not through my ears.

It spoke directly into my thoughts.

“I finally found you…”

The eye seemed to widen.

“Yth’Sara’s Vessel!!!”

My mind went blank.

Then…

“Rachel?”

I blinked.

The sky was normal.

Lucas was standing beside me with a concerned expression.

“Are you okay?”

I waved a hand at him.

“…Yeah.”

I forced a small laugh.

I looked back at the perfectly normal sky.

Must have been my imagination.

***

It was night time when me and Lucas made our way back to the library café.

I turned toward him.

“Thanks for the date. It was… fun.”

Lucas smiled.

“The honor was all mine.”

For a moment, everything was peaceful.

Then…

BANG!

The café door burst open.

Lydia appeared with the biggest grin I’d ever seen.

“YOU’RE BACK!”

She ran up to me.

“Tell me everything!”

Lydia began pulling me inside before I could answer.

I turned to Lucas, somewhat expecting him to play the knight and shining hero and come rescue me.

But instead, he simply smiled and gave me a wave before walking away.

“See you soon, Rachel.”

I groaned.

“Lucas!”

***

When I returned to my apartment, I immediately collapsed onto my bed.

Lydia had intensely interrogated me until she was satisfied.

I rolled onto my back.

Despite the mental exhaustion, I couldn’t help but smile

I actually did it.

I finally went on a date with the guy I liked.

Eventually, the excitement gave way to sleepiness.

I pulled the blanket over myself and closed my eyes.

I hope… I get to see you again tomorrow… Lucas.

With that thought in mind, I drifted off to sleep.

***

Meanwhile, Lucas sat alone on a bench in an empty park.

His gaze fixed on the sky above.

His expression was serious.

“This realm… It’s…”

Then he heard footsteps.

He turned toward the sound.

Lydia emerged from the darkness, casually walking toward him.

Lucas sat upright on the bench.

“Lydia? Need something from me?”

Lydia sat down beside him.

“Just curious. How far exactly do you plan on taking your relationship with her?”

Lucas pondered.

Then he looked at the night sky.

“As far as she’s comfortable with. I won’t force her into anything.”

Lydia’s expression became serious.

“Good answer. But how do I know you won’t fall to your desire and push her down the first chance you get.”

She turned to look at him.

“After all, Rachel is so cute that you’d want to just eat her up.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

“…What?”

Lydia leaned closer.

“I think I should test you.”

Before Lucas could respond, Lydia grabbed his hand and placed it against her chest.

“Go on. How does that feel? Soft, isn’t it?”

Her grip tightens.

“In terms of size and raw looks, I’m pretty confident I’ve got Rachel beat.”

She gave him a seductive smile.

“So? Tempted?”

“Not even a little.”

Lucas pulled his hand away and put some distance between them.

Lydia’s shoulders slumped dramatically.

“Aww… rejected.”

Lydia’s disappointment disappeared immediately.

“Oh well, you get a hug for that answer.”

Before Lucas could react, she leaned over and gave him a hug.

Lydia then whispered to his ear.

“I really do want Rachel to be as happy as possible.”

Lydia pulled back just enough to look at Lucas in the eyes.

Then her gentle smile widened into a grin.

“After all…”

Her voice became somewhat distorted.

“The happier someone is…”

Something beneath her skin began to twitch.

“…the tastier their souls become.”

Lucas’s stared at Lydia, his expression guarded.

“…Lydia?”

Her body suddenly convulsed.

Bones shifted with a series of sickening cracks.

Her smile stretched far beyond what a human face should allow.

Then her neck twitched unnaturally.

The skin split open.

Where her neck should have been. A grotesque mouth unfolded, lined with rows of jagged teeth.

Lucas barely had time to react.

CHOMP!