Thanatos

The darkness is nearly suffocating. It pulsates in and out of the corners of your vision, a sinister reminder of the events that had just unfurled, even though your brain is growing fuzzy. The pain is nothing more than a dull ache now, far away, in a strange sort of way. As if you aren’t really feeling it. As though you are no longer grounded within your own body.

The fight had been swift. You were new to these parts of the woods, and even with the warning of the dangers that lurked within, you had been confident you would be fine. Yet the fog that surrounded the area, low set and hanging heavily within the air, had left you practically defenseless upon the ambush that awaited you. Your ears are still ringing from the haunting sound of the howls that had greeted you. The sound of their demented laughter, high and shrill, resounds within your skull as you let your mind drift back to the moment. 

It had all happened so quickly, it was hard to recall just what exactly had happened. You remember the figures emerging from the mist, a large and looming back outline standing in front of you. Despite his stature, the wolf had appeared sickly, his ribs protruding harshly from his sides,and his eyes sunken deep within his skull. It was as though he hadn’t eaten in weeks, and the image of him salivating at the sight of you makes you think that might have been so. While you did not get to see many of the others, you do know that all of them had appeared to be in a similar state. Rabid with hunger. Ravenous.

You didn’t stand a chance when they descended upon you. The tearing of skin, the gnashing of teeth- they tore you apart as though you were already deceased, as if they did not even care that you were one of their kind. You had tried to fight back, but it was no use. By the time they were done with you, you were left beaten and bloody, clinging to your last shred of life.

You had expected them to eat you right then and there, without even waiting for you to die. Yet as you lay here now, you can’t help but realize that you are completely alone. As though the pack had never been there at all.

Your chest rises and falls in your struggling attempts to keep breathing. The world is blurry, and you know deep down that this is it. This is where your journey would come to and end. Panic claws as your chest, your breath hitching as you try to make a noise, desperately attempting to call for help. Yet you only manage to let out a weak gurgle, effectively paralyzed. Trapped.

“There, there now. It is alright.”

A sudden voice comes from beside you, and the fear spikes at the sound. You blink rapidly, your eyes flying to the corner of your vision to try and see who was with you. You can see a wolf standing within your peripheral, but it’s hard to make out the details of his looks. His pelt is as dark as the nothingness that is calling you, though you can also tell that he has some markings, red and white blobs in your vision. He comes closer to lean over you, and with his approach comes the vision of his eyes, a blank white staring back at you. Your heart pounds rapidly within your chest, and you try once more to speak. A small whine comes out.

“Please do not fear. I’m here to help.” The wolf says, the sincerity behind his words surprising you. His voice is a low rumble, calming in a way you couldn’t quite place, and despite knowing that you should be scared, you find yourself relaxing. “I’m afraid that there is not much that can be done to save your physical form. Yet I can provide you comfort as you go, and lead you to the pack within the stars if you allow.”

It takes a moment for the true meaning of his words to come to you, and with the realization comes another whine. You’re scared. Of course you’re scared- who wouldn’t be?

“It’s okay, it’s okay- hush now, young one.” The wolf hums, and you can feel him lay down beside you, pressing into your side. It’s a comforting gesture, one that reminds you of your days as a pup, distant and bittersweet moments for a situation like this. “I will be with you the entire time. I promise, it is not as scary as it may seem.”

 You can feel the vibration of his chest as he speaks, almost like the purr of a cat. It’s an intimate moment, and one that you appreciate greatly. At least you would not be alone.

“Rest now, little one. I will be waiting for you once you are ready.”

The fear seeps from your body. It’s time. You know this now. What would be waiting for you on the other side? You guess you are about to find out.

“Goodnight, young one.” 

You can feel the press of a muzzle against your forehead, and with it comes the flashing of a blinding light.

With one last shuddering breath, you are gone.