A Shadow from Beyond the Veil
At last, that cursed dream came true. I had reached the damned hill for which I would lose my life. If not for it, I wouldn't have ended up discarded on the ground like trash waiting to be hauled away.
My heart pounded furiously, sweat streamed down my forehead, and death hovered above my head, waiting for the moment to snatch my soul by the command of a mighty force—the One who created all things. But in our human eyes, that force has not united us... it has divided us. Because of it, wars ignited, religions clashed, interpretations diverged. Yet one thing all agreed upon: that there is a God.
Heavy footsteps approached me, echoing to the rhythm of strange music... music not of this world. A melody played only in the moments that separate life from death—a threadbare space. It was drawing near, touching my trembling soul as I lay in a pitiful state.
I had many chances before. I could have turned back. I could have listened to that voice that always called me. It didn't humiliate us—it loved us. It wanted to save us. That is faith... the remedy for the heart's ailments, a light from God.
But I had lost it long ago. I never denied God's existence—no. But I had stopped following Him. Faith has degrees: The lowest is believing He exists. The highest is loving Him so deeply you'd give up everything for Him. And oh, what a loss mine was...
My father was a known priest, and my mother converted to Islam before her death. I had treasures of wisdom, different paths to seek the light—but I betrayed them. I followed desires and slipped into the darkness of sins. And here I am today... paying the price. Not just for this life, but for what lies beyond.
A rough voice. A foot as heavy as stone pressed against my chest. I gasped. A scream burst from within:
Jack (voice choked with tears):
"Oh Lord... save Your servant! I promise... I'll return to Your path. Just don't abandon me now."
It was a plea from the remnants of a shattered heart—but it was honest.
Suddenly, the creature spoke:
The Creature (with a voice like grinding rocks):
"Jack... tell your grandfather that Baros has delivered me. My mission is complete. Now... it's his turn. He must annul those treaties... the treaties that cost me my family."
My tongue trembled. I couldn't say anything except:
Jack (in a hoarse voice):
"I will."
And then it vanished—swiftly—as if the earth had swallowed it whole. I didn't know where it went, nor did I care. All that mattered... was that I was still alive, for now.
With great difficulty, I stood. My legs were nearly paralysed with fear. It's not every day you encounter a creature unlike any human—a being speaking of treaties, my grandfather, and meanings far beyond my comprehension.
I realised then that we are not alone in this world. We've always claimed ownership of it, but the truth is... others claim it too. Yes, Islam is the only religion that spoke in detail about the jinn, the battles of the end times, about light and darkness.
Yet I felt there was a gap… why don't more Muslim scholars speak of spirituality more openly? Why do some of them reject philosophy? I had felt the same energy described by spiritualists—the one they say is awakened by Islamic prayer. I'm no cleric, no philosopher—just a lost man… who wishes he had understood all this sooner, before being surrounded by death and fear.
And then… the ground shook. I nearly fell. I thought it was the end again—or an earthquake about to devour me. But the truth was stranger. From beneath the earth... a house emerged.
A massive house, with façades unlike anything I had ever seen. Its lights were on. Laughter echoed from within—as if life inside it was nothing like the death I had just faced. I approached it, driven by something unseen.
I knocked on the door… And heard a sweet voice. A woman's voice.
Her tone felt like it was drawn from a dream... A voice that awakened my heart from its slumber and left my body paralysed in place—not from fear this time… but from a longing I couldn't explain.
Moments later, the door opened quietly, and before me stood a human angel… no, something beyond even that. Her face glowed like a burning ember, her skin a crimson shade like frozen lava. Her wide eyes shimmered with magical sparks, and her long black hair swayed like flames in a breeze I couldn't feel.
The Girl (in a warmly welcoming tone, as soft as silk):
"Jack… welcome. We've been waiting for you. Please, come in—everyone is expecting you."
I stepped into the house hesitantly, gazing around in awe at walls illuminated with strange patterns that seemed to breathe.
Jack (in astonishment):
"Who... who's waiting for me? Did you really expect me to come?"
The Girl (smiling wide, revealing tiny fangs):
"Yes… we have a young girl here who can predict the future."
Jack (half-joking, eyeing the shifting wall ornaments):
"A young girl? I just hope she's not underage..."
The Girl (laughing gently, causing the floor to tremble as if a light quake had passed):
"No, darling... she's the youngest among us… only a hundred years old."
I froze in place, pale-faced, unable to process this madness.
Suddenly… the ground shook again—but this time, it wasn't laughter. It was footsteps.
Something crawled in the hallway behind me… the creaking of joints, the clicking of many legs scraping the marble floor.
I turned slowly, sweat dripping from my brow—only to see a humanoid creature. Its face resembled a man's, but it had eight long legs sprouting from its back, moving like a spider's. It crawled along the walls and ceiling, staring at me with eyes like black camera lenses.
Jack (terrified, rushing toward the door):
"Open it! Open it, damn you! What is this place?!"
He tugged at the handle… slammed his shoulder into the door… nothing.
The Girl (still standing calmly by the entrance, her smile unwavering):
"What are you afraid of, Jack? Weren't you searching for the truth?"
Jack (shouting):
"Not this truth! Open the door! Let me out!"
But then… the creature lunged at him, pinning him to the ground. Four of its legs held down his arms, the other four bound his legs, and its face drew close—so close their breath mingled.
Its mouth opened slowly, revealing layers of sharp teeth… and a long, whip-like tongue quivering in the air.
Jack (in a choking voice):
"No... no... get away from me!"
The Girl (giggling softly, like a twisted crystal chime):
"This isn't the end… this is only the beginning."
Jack struggled beneath the creature's legs, but it was useless. His breath quickened. His voice trembled:
Jack (in a desperate whisper):
"Who… who are you people? What do you want from me? I don't understand... please..."
The Girl (stepping closer, still gently spoken):
"Jack, you seem confused… does our friend's appearance frighten you?"
She smiled broadly, as if savoring his fear.
Jack (trying to pull his head away):
"Your friend? This?! You've got to be joking! This thing crawled out of hell itself!"
The Girl (with a soft wink):
"Oh, don't be mean… he's very sensitive about his looks."
At that moment… the creature began to speak. Its voice was deep and hollow, as if coming from the depths of a cave, but carried a hidden sarcasm:
The Creature (bringing its face even closer):
"You... look delicious... I mean... delightfully present."
It paused, then tilted its head as if studying him with childlike curiosity:
"Did you come for the celebration? Or... to add some flavour to the gathering?"
Jack (trembling, trying to push it away):
"Celebration?! What kind of hellish celebration is this? I'm human! I don't belong here!"
The Creature (gently curling one of its legs around Jack's shoulder):
"Oh, don't underestimate yourself, Jack… everyone here gets an 'ending' that suits them… or should I say, a 'story' that fits them..."
The Girl (laughing, placing her hand on her cheek in feigned amazement):
"Look at him! Isn't he just adorable when he panics? Our guests always react so sweetly. He's got such a playful spirit… don't you think?"
Jack (screaming):
"Stop! Stop playing with me! What do you want from me?!"
The Creature (lowering its head beside Jack's ear, whispering mockingly):
"We want you to join us… to open up… to be part of something… greater..."
The Girl (gently interrupting):
"Jack, it's not too late to choose… Are you a fan of surprises?"
Then she whispered to herself cheerfully:
"I think he's the type who screams first... and asks questions later."