Chapter 4 - Restless
Credence slept, and for a while there was peace. Silence, as the creatures dozed in their cages, one magnificent beast lapping at its water dish before bedding down next to the other.
His amorphous form clung to the narrow bed he'd been given in the corner, the shadowy tendrils moving slowly against the torn bedsheets. He felt the warmth of her body, the pulse of her heart against his own, never fully awake and not deeply entwined in slumber. He felt energy stirring, becoming more aware of its presence as the hours slowly past, until he felt he would scream as magic flared in his chest.
He opened his eyes, looking out from within the shapeless mass, seeing her beside him in a sliver of moonlight. He reminded himself that, if nothing else, at least they had each other. It was his last thought before the darkness quivered and solidified, leaving him curled in a ball on the floor.
Credence looked at her, hugging his knees and silently weeping, hoping that she might be able to help. And slowly she awoke, her eyes finding him in the dark. She flicked her tongue at him, sensing his fear, but it would be a while before she was able to regain her human form.
The minutes that passed moved with agonizing slowness, until at last she was able to hold him, whispering soothing words of comfort as he trembled and wept.
"I can't," Credence mumbled, his voice dissolving into a wretched moan. "Why?"
"Why what, Credence?" she asked softly, cradling him in her arms.
"Why can't I sleep? I keep waking up around the same time every night. It's like something stirs inside of me not long after I go to bed. I don't even remember the last time I've had a decent night's sleep."
His confusion blossomed into anger, into hatred so deep he clenched his fists against it, shaking as the whites of his eyes engulfed the shades of brown that lie at their center. He hated himself for not knowing what was wrong, for being nothing more than some sideshow attraction in a circus full of freaks.
"It's alright." Her voice was gentle, quivering with a hint of fear. She held him close, never letting go, never backing away even when she felt he might crumble in her arms. "Just breathe, Credence. You'll be alright in a minute."
Tears cascaded down his cheeks. He thought he was going to be sick.
"I think I can help," she murmured, and Credence whimpered pitifully, not knowing but always hoping there was a way out.
