Girls in Service

In the time of the waning moon, when shadows crept across the land like a plague, Maris sat alone in her chamber. The room was small and cramped, with stone walls that chilled her to the bone. She huddled in a corner, wrapped tightly in a threadbare blanket, and listened as the wind howled outside.

The village had been abandoned for years now, ever since the darkness came. It had swept through like a storm, engulfing everything in its path, until there was nothing left but decay and despair. Those who remained had locked themselves away in their homes, waiting for death to come.

But Maris refused to give up. She was young and strong, with fire in her heart and a will of iron. She would not let this darkness consume her.

There was a knock at the door.

Maris froze, her heart pounding in her chest. It couldn't be... They were all gone. Everyone was gone.

Another knock.

"Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling.

Silence. Then...

"Let me in."

It was a woman's voice—soft and melodic—but there was something beneath it, something dark and dangerous.

"No," Maris said firmly. "Go away."

There was a low chuckle from outside.

"I don't think you understand," the voice said. "I'm not asking."

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a figure shrouded in darkness. Maris could make out long hair cascading down slender shoulders and pale hands reaching out towards her.

She scrambled to her feet and backed away.

"Stay back!" she warned.

But the figure took another step forward, and then another, until it stood before her: tall and graceful, with eyes that glowed like embers in the dark.

"Who are you?" Maris asked nervously.

The figure smiled—a cold smile that sent shivers down her spine.

"I am the darkness," she said. "And I have come for you."

Maris felt a surge of anger. How dare this creature think it could take her?

She reached into the depths of her soul, and found the fire that burned within. It blazed to life, chasing away the shadows and filling the room with light.

The figure recoiled, shielding her eyes from the brightness.

"No..." she whispered.

Maris took a step forward, then another. The darkness retreated before her, shrinking back until there was nothing left but the woman herself—naked and vulnerable, with fear in her eyes.

"Who are you now?" Maris asked triumphantly.

The woman's gaze dropped to the floor.

"Nobody," she said softly.

Maris raised her head proudly. She had faced her fears and won. She was stronger than she had ever imagined.

And as she stood there, bathed in the light of her own power, she knew that she would never be afraid again.