Light Against the Darkness by Carly Standley
Elara stood at the edge of the lake, her heart pounding against her ribs as she stared into the shimmering water. The night was still, save for the occasional whisper of wind rustling through the trees surrounding the lake. Overhead, stars blinked down at her, as if they too were waiting for what was about to happen.
It was her 18th birthday, and everything had changed. And nothing had changed. She could still hear her father’s voice from that morning, “Happy birthday, sweetheart. I was thinking, how about we throw you a party this weekend?” Little did he know, that day was the start of something far beyond a simple celebration.
She inhaled a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. The lake had always been a place of peace for her, but tonight it was different. The water had churned with turbulence. Rocking the boat, shattering it to pieces. Ejecting Elara, Marcus and Jenna into the icy grip of the lake.
Elara’s mind was a chaotic storm of revelations. Her magic had awakened, coursing through her veins like liquid fire. But with it came the darkness—an ancient beast lurking in the corners of her mind. She felt its presence now, clawing at her consciousness, scraping with jagged nails and blood-red eyes. A low hiss echoed within her mind.
“Who are you. What are you?” she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.
“I am you and you are me.” A dark laughter rolled through the shadows.
Elara spun around, startled. Jarring her from her daydream. Standing behind her was Dorianth, her mentor.
Her insides twisted with flurries. His dark hair was tousled by the wind, his piercing blue eyes searched her face.
“How long have you been there?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Long enough to know you’re struggling,” he replied softly, tucking a golden strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to face this alone.” His thumb slowly grazed the angle of her jawline.
Dorianth stepped closer. Her heart quickened in his approach. He had been the one to guide her through the initial shock of discovering her powers and unfortunate curse.
“I can feel it,” Elara said, her voice trembling. “The beast inside me. It’s— it’s trying to take over. The darkness is heavy.”
Dorianth nodded. “It’s part of the curse, Elara. You need to learn to control it. You have the power within you to harness that darkness into light.”
A sudden surge of energy pulsed through Elara, the beast within her reacting to Dorianth’s words. She doubled over, clutching her head as the dark whispers grew louder, more insistent.
“Your magic,” the beast hissed. “Unleash your power.”
In desperation, Elara fell to her knees. Her trembling hands steadied her limp arms. She could feel the magic bubbling up inside her, a volatile mix of light and dark. The beast’s influence was strong, but she couldn’t let it win. Not now.
“Elara, listen to me,” Dorianth’s voice cut through the noise in her head. “You are not alone in this. Focus on the light within you. Let it guide you.”
Elara squeezed her eyes shut trying to push the darkness back. She pictured the stars overhead, each one a beacon of light piercing through the void. She imagined their light filling her, drowning out the shadows.
Slowly, the whispers began to fade, replaced by warmth rushing over her body. Her lungs cleaved to the air. As if she would suffocate with each new drawn breath. Elara opened her eyes and saw her hand bathed in a soft, golden light.
Dorianth stepped closer, gently embracing her trembling body. “You did it, Elara. You controlled it.”
Elara took a shaky breath. “But for how long? The beast is still there, waiting.” Tears welled in her eyes. Spilling to her cheeks. Her lips.
The warmth of his thumb brushed the tear on her lips.
“Yes, it is,” Dorianth agreed. “But you’ve taken the first step. Every time you choose the light, you weaken its hold over you. You are stronger than the darkness inside you.” He pulled her closer. His hand trailing the small of her back.
“Thank you, Dorianth,” she said quietly. “For believing in me.” Her insides burned. Not from the darkness she just fought. But from Dorianth. She burned for him.
She lifted her eyes, up his broad shoulders, his sharp jaw, his plump lips. Their eyes locking in a moment of silent understanding.
Elara moved closer, their bodies almost touching, and he responded by wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, feeling his warmth. Cedar and salt filled her nose. She was home. She was safe. Elara lifted her head, their faces inches apart. His breath hot and shaky. Her legs stiffened and toes flexed as she reached up towards Dorianth.
