“My lady… how long do you think we’ve been walking this road?”
I paused, tilting my head toward the undulating hills beneath a sky deepening from lavender to indigo. The wind teased my hair. I cannot say. I’ve lost track of time.”
I smiled beneath my wide-brimmed hat, brushing a stray lock of hair from my eyes. “I’m content simply to wander admiring the trees as their leaves catch the dying light, the grass whispering beneath our feet, the clouds drifting like ships across the sky.”
I reached out as a robin’s trill echoed overhead. “Even their songs are pleasant company.”
The little raven puffed out his chest in pride. “Would you like me to sing for you?”
I laughed softly.
“I would love to hear your songs, my little guardian.”
As we strolled onward, Poet’s silhouette against the violet horizon began a gentle whistle simple, sweet, like a lullaby carried on a summer breeze. Before long, I found myself humming along, matching each note with the steady beat of my heart.
I paused at a rise in the path. “Look, Poet, what do you say we climb that hill and see what lies beyond?”
His wings fluttered with excitement. “A splendid idea, my lady.”
I slipped off the worn road into a sea of tall grasses, the golden stalks brushing my robes as a playful wind wound through them. Step by step, we ascended until I reached the crest and halted. The sight stole my breath
A molten sun bled across the heavens in molten gold, fiery crimson, and deep sapphire. Wisps of cloud parted the hues like delicate brushstrokes on a cosmic canvas. In the distance, forested ridges rolled into the horizon, while silver rivers snaked through valleys, capturing the last glimmers of light.
“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” I whispered.
“Absolutely, my lady,” Poet agreed, landing on my shoulder and tilting his head. “But not nearly as breath taking as you.”
“Such flattery,” I giggled. “Where do you learn these things?”
“Well, you did name me Poet.”
He ruffled his feathers.
“It comes naturally.”
“Such pride. I see I've spoiled you.”
“Only appropriately.”
I couldn't help but laugh.
“How about we spend the night here?”
“A lovely choice, my lady. I shall scout the skies.”
With a flap of his wings, Poet vanished into the evening.
Meanwhile, I reached into the folds of my dimension.
What emerged appeared no more remarkable than an ordinary black traveler's tent folded neatly beneath my arm.
“Let's see if I remember…”
I spread the cloth over the earth and knelt.
As essence flowed from my fingertips into the runes woven into the fabric, symbols ignited one after another.
The tent rose.
Not by ropes.
Not by poles.
Black feathers and shadows swirled around it, lifting it upright before dissolving into the breeze.
From the outside, it looked humble.
Inside…
It was another world.
The interior was a circular sanctuary, vast as any noble’s chamber. Candles drifted lazily overhead, their flames flickering in midair without smoke or heat. Slender ivory pillars, wrapped in blooming vines of silver blossoms, arched toward a ceiling painted with constellations that glowed softly against deep velvet. At the center lay a dark obsidian pool, its waters reflecting star-patterns belonging to distant worlds.
Shelves lined the curved walls, filled with leather-bound tomes and jars of iridescent powders. Plush carpets of deep burgundy and midnight blue cushioned each step. Lanterns cast a honeyed glow, filling the air with a sweet mingling of herbs, aged wood, and something unmistakably like my mother’s sanctuary aroma that whispered of home.
My hat flew to its rack unbidden. A crystal goblet floated free of a shelf, followed by a bottle of Asphodel Red that tilted itself over the rim, and red wine slithered inside like liquid velvet.
“Perfect,” I sighed, settling in a lotus pose on the velveteen bed. I tapped my chin. “What shall I study tonight?”
Ah.
Astrology.
A book lifted itself from the shelf and drifted into my waiting hands. The pages turned by themselves until they reached exactly what I desired.
“Wonderful.”
Just then,
The entrance rustled. Poet reappeared, “I found nothing amiss, my lady.”
“Good,” I said, patting the bed beside me. He hopped up immediately, nuzzling into my side.
“I'm studying astrology tonight. Imagine if I could harness the stars themselves. Perhaps one day I'll become like Mother Nyx.”
Poet eyes sparkled.
“Lady Nyx commands the night itself.”
With a gentle wave, a plate of dark berries appeared between us. His eyes grew large.
He pecked them up in a flurry. “You have exquisite taste, my lady.”
After having his filled.
“You should rest, My Lady”
“You know I do not require sleep.”
“No, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve it.”
“Such wisdom you possess.”
“Obviously.”
“Such confidence, Little Raven”
“It comes naturally.”
Eventually, I settled beneath the blankets.
“Good night, Poet.”
“Good night, my lady.”
…
Hours drifted by in gentle silence. Moonlight pooled through the tent’s open doorway, washing the hill in silver. Perched atop the peak, Poet kept sentinel. Far below, five figures stumbled up the slope, their lantern dim, their voices slurred.
“I’m telling you, I saw a woman,” one slurred, eyes wild.
“Shut up,” another snapped. “You probably was seeing things.”
A third peered into the dark. “There, I swear I saw something.”
Silence fell. At the hill’s foot stood the black tent, its shape a stark blot against the pale grass.
“I knew it,” the first man hissed. “Jackpot.”
One spat on the ground. “I don’t like this.”
The leader cracked his knuckles. “Coward.” He licked his lips." … I claim first pick.”
Above them, Poet’s onyx eyes opened wide. Then:
“I do not know who you are,” a calm yet thunderous voice rolled across the ridge, “but I advise you to leave.”
The men froze. “Who said that?”
“Show yourself!” another jeered. “Hand over your valuables and your woman!”
“My lady is resting,” the voice replied, eerily patient. “Depart at once"
“Or what?” The men laughed, uneven and harsh.
Silence. Then:
"Or I will personally guide your soul to the afterlife.”
Rocks trembled underfoot. The men froze in terror. Crack after crack split the soil beneath them. “Run!” They bolted too late.
With a rumble, skeletal fingers erupted from the earth, pale as bone and grasping like desperate thieves. Dozens, then hundreds of gaunt arms clawed skyward, pulling the men down. Screams ripped through the night as swords clanged uselessly. The ground split further, revealing a river of fire yawning beneath their feet. The stench of burning flesh and brimstone struck them first, then a chorus of anguished whispers millions of souls trapped between worlds, crying out in eternal torment.
One man fell to his knees, burying his face in his hands. “No… no, no, no…” Ghostly hands, not of bone but of living darkness, pressed against their mouths, swallowing their screams. Above the flames, Poet’s voice echoed, calm and merciless:
"Repent for your sins, let your final journey begin... may your souls find rest beyond the veil within."
Then, as swiftly as it began, the earth healed itself. The cracks sealed, the flames vanished, and the grass straightened as though nothing had occurred. Silence reclaimed the hill.
Inside the tent, I shifted in my sleep. “Poet?” I murmured, lifting one eyelid. “Was that… screaming?”
He alighted softly beside my pillow, nuzzling my cheek. “No, my lady. Only the nights wind.”
I let out a contented sigh, closing my eyes. “I see.”
“Sleep well, Lady Veil.”
“Good night, little Poet.”
“Good night, my lady.”
And beneath the watchful moon, the Raven of the Night resumed his silent watch.