A presence pressed down on me. My eyes fluttered to a murky, abyssal sky. Purple wisps of energy floated along the void. Water surrounded me as I floated. I slowly blinked a I put my hand down a few inches, and touched stone.

  I slowly sat up, my body feeling like it was deyed. Eyes adjusted to the gloom, seeing unusual stone towers and spires nearby, and afar. Everything bled with ancient knowledge. It was alien, and familiar, at the same time.

  I stood up and looked around. The water was only skin deep. I could see the stone floor underneath. The eldritch structures hummed with a sickening vibration. Colors I had never seen before, curled, and floated on, some going into buildings, while others flew up into the odd sky.

  A shadow the size of a mountain appeared from behind a strange building. I shook in start terror as many eyes opened along the shadow, and long tentacles writhed. It moved on, walking on odd, trunk-like legs, but one alien eye stared at me for a long moment, before it closed.

  “You have done well,” came a voice from behind.

  I turned to see a cloaked figure. They walked through the shin-deep water, barely making a ripple. The hood of their cloak cast an inky shadow over their features, but their yellow, cat-like eyes glowed with purpose.

  I bowed slightly to the dark being. When I stood up, they stood before me, their gaze piercing my fractured soul.

  “It has been a long time since the scales have tipped in our favor. Draygon is pleased, as are all the dark gods. They have noticed you, and your journey.”

  “I live to bring the dark dream to everyone,” I said in a trance-like state.

  “Indeed,” the cloaked figure said.

  My equilibrium seemed off, as the world around me felt like it was turning. I tried to ignore it, but its oddness sank deeper into me.

  “We who serve the dark gods have felt your victories, but we have also felt those who dwell in the light, gathering to stop you, and your coven.”

  “I will stop them as I have always stopped them,” I said.

  The cloaked figure gave a single nod.

  “Yes, you, and your coven wield great power, but you will need more before our victory over the light. Once the rifts are all opened, and the world falls to chaos and madness, you will have earned your pce among the dark gods.

  “You will have a greater destiny, one that will span to many realms, but that is a discussion for another time. For now, I have gifts to bring you. Rewards for bringing the dark dream to your world.”

  I stood as the figure lifted an arm. A scaled, three finger hand slid out from the sleeve.

  The shard in my soul pulsed brighter. It contained my power, marking me as a true follow of the dark gods and the crusade. I swayed as a cwed fingertip touched my chest, right over my heart.

  Power surged into me. My eyes and mouth widened. Energy poured into me like a purple river into my shard. When it touched it, I let out a silent scream.

  In a blink, I was normal again. But I felt different.

  The being pulled back their scaled hand, it vanishing into their robe sleeve.

  “You have been given three gifts.

  “The first gift is the power of a Chaos Song. It allows you to shift reality, destroying, or harming the fabric of reality. Anything you create, or destroy, will break down reality, adding chaos to the universe. It is a special gift, one not given lightly. It will drain you, depending on how much chaos you create. Which brings us to your second gift.

  “The second gift is one called the Dark Blessing. As High Priest, you can choose who among your coven to become a fountain of power. When you are weakest, you may drink from them however you wish. It will not harm them, but grant yers of ecstasy. They shall love you further, wanting, needing you to drink from them. You may choose how they provide you with power, but you must give them power as well. They will become a vessel, carrying your power, ready to feed you as you need, or want it.

  “Your third and final gift is called the Corruption. With a simple touch, you may corrupt the weak minded, or weak hearted. Chaos will reshape them into monsters, monsters loyal to you and those you choose. They will do what is commanded. They serve until their death, and perhaps beyond. It depends how deep the corruption takes root. In the coming battles between chaos and order, you will need armies to fend off the light, and its allies.”

  The being bowed to me.

  “Six rifts are needed to take this realm. When it is finished, and we are victorious, more power will be granted. More flesh will surrender to you. The dark gods will smile upon you, and your chosen.”

  I fell to my knees in the water. Power caressed me is such a way, I could not decide to either scream, or weep.

  “Wake, High Priest. Wake and indulge in your power,” the being hissed as they floated into the darkness whence they came.

  My entire body felt like it was being pulled upwards. Purple light fshed as I was drunk on new power. I struck something in the dark, and my eyes shot open.

  The bedroom was dark. Starlight bled in from the windows, giving everything a gentle, pale glow.

  I turned my head to my aunt’s face, just a few inches away. She was on her side, a quilt partially covering her. She was still asleep, her naked body close to mine. Her body warmth continued to seduce me, but I was so filled with renewed excitement, all I wanted to do was tell the woman I have always loved.

  I slipped out of bed. I grabbed my robe, and my phone. I hastily put on my robe, and silently dashed out of the chamber.

  I moved with hurried steps. I could feel the pulse of power deep within me. It hungered to rise to the surface. The dark gods gave me more gifts, and a greater confidence filled my spirit. No more desperate battles with the followers of light and order. Our chances had improved, and I licked my lips in anticipation.

  I reached the master bedroom door. I saw that it was slightly ajar. I moved to it and stepped in. I closed the door behind me, but I stopped in my tracks.

  Starlight filtered in from the windows. Inky shadows writhed like living things along the corners of my vision, but my gaze was pulled to the pale figure on the floor, leaning against the foot of the bed.

  My mother sat there like a broken doll. She stared at nothing. An empty bottle of wine was by her hand, as was a shattered winegss.

  My heart leapt in my chest. I tried to not panic as I took slow steps toward her.

  My mother’s eyes were the only things moving. They shifted and looked up at me.

  “Gerald? Have you come to haunt me?” she said in a low whisper.

  “Mother?” was all I could say as I looked down on her.