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In hindsight, I have to say being dead is not as bad as I thought it would be.
When my life ended, there was pain, so much pain, chaos all around me. The shock of losing the most important connection of my life, the fear for those I had to leave behind, and sorrow for all the things I didn't get to do. Regret over not being able to see my sister for one last time, to tell her how much I love her and to apologise that I couldn't be there for her.
Although, I did send someone to look after her, didn't I? Someone important, someone I trust? If only I could remember who it was.
If only I could remember anything.
It's not like my memories are gone, they're just… smothered. Like a thick blanket got thrown over what used to me my life, still there yet out of reach.
Instead, there is only calm darkness all around me. It's not the absence of all things, not an empty void but more like… like being tugged in a soft embrace. Not too warm and not too cold. No pain, no worries, and no fears. No joy, either, just this sense of mild contentment. That I fulfilled my role, that my work is done.
For one eternity after another, I drift through the darkness, cradled and safe. Resting.
Until I hear his voice.
"Liam Mairi…"
I perk my head up. That's my name! I couldn't remember it until a moment ago, but now I do. Liam Mairi…
"Liam Mairi."
The voice becomes more insistent, like it is calling me. But calling me where?
I look around, but there is only darkness around me. The same darkness as before, and yet… And yet, I can see shadows moving within it, strange and familiar.
"Liam Mairi!"
"I'm here," I call back, surprised my voice even works here.
"Come to me. I have need of you."
Frowning, I follow the voice's call. It sounds… familiar, somehow. Like I know it intimately, a memory woven through my very core. Like it's been a part of me for a very long time.
My feet find solid ground beneath me as I straighten my legs, and I walk to where it's calling me. To where he is calling me. The shadows whirl around me like mist, opening up and showing me the way until I reach a patch of dim light. No, not light. A window. A window into a place that feels like I should know it, dark grey stone covered in red droplets.
Next to the window stands a figure, but I don't dare look at the god shrouded in darkness, not even when he lifts a hand to point at the window. At the woman on the floor, her blood the only colour.
"She needs you," the God's deep voice states. "Help is on its way, but I need you to keep her alive until it arrives."
With a grim expression, I nod. Yes, I have to keep her alive. I will always keep her alive. Without hesitation, I step towards the window, into the portal, but then turn at the last moment. My eyes find the God's face, already knowing who's it would be, and give him a grim smile.
"I'm her shadow. Wield me."