one. more. step.

darkness pressed against the jaundiced halo leaking from her dying torch. if not for the pull of gravity, the light may not have reached the ground - instead floating away, dispersing like so many motes of dust in a hayloft. but gravity pulled, and tepid light meandered to the ground, rather disinterested in its job. she sharply shook her torch, willing bulb & batteries to cling to existence. the apathetic instrument deigned to remain conscious but seemed loathe to commit to an agenda. the darkness pressed harder, leaning into the weakly glowing circle, confining her steps to a shuffle, shackling her ankles as surely as chains. one more step. one. more. step. the air was alive with frost, yet she felt sweat rivuling through her hair & down her back, pooling above her silver belt. one. more. step. her praying breath froze as it left her pleading lips - whatever powers there be to protect me, you know me by my absence from your altars, yet tonight i beseech you for your shield of protection. be with me now. be with me. one. more. step.