Darkness

"Okay, Sandra. It's way past your bedtime. You ought to be catching some zzz's by now." Smith chuckled as he drew the bed sheets closer to the rumpled expression on the young girl's face. "I know, Daddy." She said with a tone of resignation. "But can I get a quick story before you go?" "Nice try, Sandra. But if you really wanted a story, you should have stopped partying with your girlfriends before eight."

"It's not my fault!" She squeaked defensively, folding her tiny arms across her chest. "You know how Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake get after one too many cups of tea." "That's why you accompanied them, right?" Smith asked with folded arms of his own. "You were meant to stop them from having one too many. Which means this was still kinda your fault, kiddo." "They were too stubborn! And-and they just didn't listen to me!" "Just like I'm not listening now." Smith was already on his feet and had fingers on the lamp, preparing to switch it off.

"Wait, Dad. Please wait." The sudden seriousness in her voice had Smith's hand hovering at the lamp switch. Her big brown eyes, which always had hypnotic effects on him, quietly spoke of her earnest request. Smith raised a brow as he glanced at his watch. 8:45 pm. One story wouldn't kill anyone, he figured. "Alright!" Sandra yelled joyfully when her father sat with a big sigh. "I wanna hear the shark tale." Smith chuckled softly, adjusting beside his daughter. "Actually," he said slowly, "I think I have a story that'll interest you." Sandra's eyes widened with genuine anticipation. Smith smiled again; then he stared into space as he began.

"Our story starts hundreds of years ago in a little village. Here lived a particular young man and woman. They fell in love and got married soon after. Unfortunately, not everyone was excited about the new union. After experiencing undeserved hardship from both families and relatives, the couple decided to leave their hometown. Then, tragedy struck. A terrible storm had hit the couple's carriage the night before, and the following day brought about the terrible news of their death. They were mourned. Buried and soon forgotten. What the people didn't know, however, was that the couple had been given a second chance at life. Another opportunity to live.

"After striking a deal with a powerful creature from the Afterlife, they were healed of their injuries and brought back to life. Blessed with gifts beyond the supernatural. But it came with a price. They had to serve this Being and dedicate their lives to it. They were to help it gain a strong foothold on this world and its inhabitants. To bring to this plane of existence a presence that cannot be challenged. Darkness with no rival."

"You do realize she's asleep, right?" Claire's voice came abruptly from the doorway. Smith blinked at his wife in surprise, then at his sleeping daughter. "You think telling her about our past is the best idea?" "Well, I don't know how you plan to tell her how she was born by dark magic and not biology." Smith countered. Claire scoffed. "We can have this discussion later. It's a good thing she's asleep now. 'Cause He wants to speak to us. Immediately."