Mei
The storm arrived without warning; but it did not arrive quietly. It struck the mountain in a single violent surge; as though the sky itself had snapped. A deep crack of thunder rolled across the estate; shaking the glass panes and rattling the walls. Rain followed immediately; not in drops but in a heavy; relentless sheet that slammed against the windows with force.
Mei felt the vibration through her bones. She had been standing near the center of Alaric's room when the lights flickered. Once. Twice. Then darkness fell. Complete. Thick. Absolute.
Her breath caught in her throat. For a moment; she could not see anything at all. Not even the outline of the furniture she had just been standing beside. The world seemed erased; as if someone had wiped the room clean of light.
"Alaric;" she called; her voice softer than she intended.
There was a brief pause. "I am here;" came his reply.
