OATH OF SHADOWS

Meanwhile, Mark noticed Emilia's absence.

Mark: "Where's Emilia?"

John: "She might have gone back home."

Mark: "I'm not so sure. I'll check."

Mark's heart began to race, his chest tightening with an unexpected sense of dread. He sprinted off, his breath coming in shallow gasps, as his footsteps echoed in the quiet night.

Mark (shouting): "Emilia! Where are you?"

As he neared the woods, he glimpsed a shadowy figure slipping between the trees, and his heart sank as he saw Emilia lying motionless on the cold, unforgiving ground.

Mark (panicked): "Emilia! Wake up! Open your eyes, please!"

Without a second thought, Mark scooped her up, his arms trembling under the weight of her limp, lifeless form. Fear surged through him as he rushed toward his mother, Mary, every step a painful reminder of the danger that lurked.

Mark (breathlessly): "Mother! It's Emilia—she needs you!"

Mary immediately abandoned her chores, her face paling with worry, and rushed toward him. Her hands shook as she placed them on Emilia's forehead, the coldness seeping into her fingers, making her heart race.

Mary (alarmed): "What happened? How did she end up like this?"

Mary pressed her finger gently against Emilia's brow and began murmuring in a low, melodic voice, strange words that seemed to resonate in the silence. A soft, white glow enveloped Emilia, though neither John nor Mark noticed it.

Minutes seemed to stretch endlessly, the tension unbearable, until Emilia's body stirred. Her face was ashen, her skin pale like a ghost, and her eyes opened slowly, clouded with exhaustion.

Emilia (weakly): "Aunt Mary... the shadow..."

Mark (astonished): "The shadow? What do you mean, the shadow?"

Mary (sternly): "Mark, where were you? How could you leave her alone?"

Mark (guilt-ridden): "I—I don't know! I turned away for just a moment, and then she was gone..."

Mary's eyes flickered toward the horizon, her face tight with fear, as a chill ran through her. Cold sweat beaded on her brow as she whispered, almost to herself.

Mary (softly): "They're here..."

Mary (firmly): "From now on, Emilia is never to be left alone. Do you understand?"

John: "Mary, what's going on? What's scaring you so?"

Mary: "I'll explain later."

Emilia: "Aunt, hold my hand, please."

Mary (gently): "Do not fear, my dear. I'm here with you."

---

That night, Mary sat beside Emilia, her senses sharp, never straying from the girl. The quiet of the night seemed heavy, suffocating, as though the walls themselves were closing in. Every creak of the house sent shivers down her spine.

Mary (softly): "My sweet Emilia, can you tell me what happened? What did you see?"

Emilia's pupils dilated in terror. Her trembling hand pointed toward a corner of the room, and her voice came out in a whisper, barely audible.

Emilia (whispering): "They're here... they want to kill me."

Mary's heart skipped a beat, and a cold shiver ran through her spine. Her eyes flickered nervously toward the corner Emilia pointed to, but she quickly refused to look further. Instead, she held the girl tighter, wrapping her arms around her protectively.

Mary (calmly, masking her own fear): "Hush now, my love. You are safe with me. What you see is only an illusion. Nothing will harm you as long as I'm here."

When Mark returned home, the shadows seemed to disappear, fading as though they had never existed.

Zina (curiously): "Emilia, why do the shadows vanish when Mark is around? Is he some sort of saint or protector?"

Emilia frowned, deep in thought. "How have I never noticed this before? Do you think he's hiding something from me, or is it just a coincidence?"

Zina (seriously): "Coincidences like that don't happen often. He's keeping secrets, mark my words."

Their conversation was cut short by the sound of footsteps from downstairs. It was Raymond, returning from town with supplies. The girls rushed down to greet him, and for a fleeting moment, Emilia forgot about the shadows.

---

Three days later, Mary decided to run errands in town and suggested Emilia accompany her.

Mary (gently): "Emilia, would you like to come with me? We can buy you something nice—a book, perhaps?"

Emilia: "No, Aunt. I'd rather stay here. I'm playing."

Just as Mary was about to leave, a knock echoed through the door. A neighbor stood outside, asking for Mary's help.

Neighbor (pleading): "Mary, could you spare a moment? I need your assistance."

Mary (hesitant): "Of course, I'll be with you shortly." She turned to Emilia. "Stay safe, my dear. I won't be long."

Left alone, Emilia sat by the fireplace, trying to focus on her game, but something felt terribly wrong. The air in the room turned cold, far colder than it should be. The crackling fire no longer provided warmth.

Emilia (to herself, puzzled): "Why is it so chilly all of a sudden? The fire is still burning..."

From the corner of her eye, she saw them—shadows creeping around the windows, their forms shifting with an unnatural, predatory grace. They slithered, writhing like creatures with a life of their own.

Emilia (terrified): "No... not again..."

A larger, more menacing shadow emerged, its presence suffocating. Its whisper felt like a cold breath against her neck, sending ice through her veins.

Shadow (softly): "Emilia... you cannot escape me."

Emilia (trembling): "Stay away! Leave me alone!"

As the shadows began to close in, a tall, elegant figure stepped into the doorway—dressed in a fine coat and polished boots, his face calm and unreadable.

Emilia (wary): "Oh great, another person come to harm me!"

Stranger (calmly): "No, child. I am Alfred, and you have nothing to fear."