I awoke to the sound of that freakish thing hammering its fists on the heavy doors. I lifted my cheek from the floor and in my grasp was something that did not belong to this world - the dagger.

There were no witnesses for what I did next. How I forced apart the chamber doors and how the wraith attacked but fell to my blade. I was defending myself. It had to be done. The sacrifice was just.

Wet with blood I stepped back out into the corridor. Fortunately, I was still alone. I hurried past the empty rooms, towards a small window. I lifted its squeaky latch and leaned out. A gust of cold air met my face. Night had fallen but no lights shone from below. Neither could I hear any sounds except the distant patter of gunfire.

Searching for something to latch onto in the hope of gaining my bearings, I looked up.

High in the sky, she had appeared, my Moon. How brightly She shone, the heavens all to Herself - how fair and majestic! She hovered above the face of the earth, thin silver clouds encircling Her like a halo. Apple of my eye. Light of my new life. I could smell Her soft fragrance. Like a sweet ointment, the aroma filled my lungs with heat, fire and purpose. I knew then that I had to reach Her.

I brought my head back inside and heard a small voice trickle forth.

“She is hovering above the tree and waiting for thee, adorned as thine bride and thine to take. Thou need only claim Her.”

These words came from the dagger. A voice of authority and cold charisma.

I badly wanted what was offered but I felt afraid. I felt crushed by fear, like a caged rabbit waiting for a needle, helpless and woeful. I looked at Her again through the small window. How alluring She was within the night sky. Mother of mystery and magic. Peerless Queen. She entranced me and then I heard Her speak.

“Oh, noble hero, why stand thee idle? This world withers, forfeit to death. Thou hast the dagger and my promise within thee blooms and takes root. Come, take what is thine right. Take courage and find me, for with me, thou shall dwell in prosperity. Come to me, keep me in thy heart and I will grant thee victory this dark night.”

The words rang in my ears and filled my heart with fresh strength. In spite of my mortal fear, I believed Her fully.

My pulse thrummed in anticipation.