She is close, I can feel her presence
The hollow moon hides between the clouds
Animals scatter to safety, sensing danger
The night grows steadily cold, sending shivers down my spine
There is no running, there is no hiding
Her haunting eyes focus on me, and I hold my breath
Wolves howl hungrily, owls screech with warning
She reaches out with her long, clawed fingers
Wipes the frozen tear from my cheek
Paralyzed, I hear her whisper
Her chilling breath tickling my ear
“For the night is dark and full of terrors.”
I shut my eyes and I can remember my mother's soft voice
“What do we say to The Goddess of Death?”
I open my eyes and stare her in her black, shiny pupils
“Not today.”