Way beyond bolting up in bed because of the awful dreams, my eyes open slowly, already filled with tears. I can still hear the echoes of the girl sobbing with her head cradled in her arms. I feel the tears run down my own cheeks, but do not brush them away. In the dark of my room, I feel as alone as the doomed girl. The shadows in the corners of my room seem to creep closer, silently stalking like the ancient guards. Every sliver of moonlight becomes the terrible shining blade from the altar.
My shadow guards seem to be keeping a silent watch until it is time to collect their newest sacrifice. I close my eyes to the shadows, but find no comfort. Pulling the thin blanket over my head in a childish effort to put the shadows out of my mind, I sob into my pillow. I quietly fall asleep amid free flowing tears, free of dreams for the rest of the night, but not free of fear.