Chapter 30: Life After Death

*Layla*

The servant seemed taken aback by my vehemence, conflicting thoughts playing across her face. But whether it was my streaking tears or instinct that this wasn't a battle worth fighting, her resistance soon faded.

"I'll...inquire about his availability once we've finished up here," she murmured finally. "Just try and get some food while I do, hmm?"

I nodded numbly as she patted my hand and hurried off, clearly eager to escape the emotional storm I'd unleashed. Once alone, I turned my unseeing gaze to the sparkling waters beyond the windows.

The brilliant blue waves danced and shimmered in the sunlight. But to my tormented eyes, they were a rolling black sea.

I had been carried across the threshold into those unknowable depths against my will. Now, I would either fight to reclaim what remained of my former world...

Or I would drown beneath the merciless currents, swept away into oblivion.

***

*Dante*