Gemotions

Jessica’s eyes went wide. She looked at the drawing, then back at her niece, Lily. The image depicted a tall, thin figure with elongated limbs, sharp claws, and a crown of thorns. It was the Nightwalker. Her childhood protector, and secret.

Jessica felt like she was trapped in a dream. Her pulse quickened, a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She was suddenly acutely aware of every sensation: the rough texture of the paper, the smell of crayons, the distant hum of the refrigerator.

"Who… is that?" she stammered, feeling a tremor run through her body.

Lily giggled. "That's Shadow! He keeps the bad dreams away."

Jessica felt an overwhelming urge to flee. She needed to escape this reality, this impossible situation.