My dreams were plagued with the walls of darkness. I couldn't get the image and the sensation out of my head. I woke covered in sweat and panting. It wasn't much of a sleep, but I had to get myself together. It was still dark outside, but the sun would be coming up soon.

I peered out the window. In the alleyway below, the familiar ember faded into view.

Was I really seeing things? My mind mulled over the night before and the conversation with Anton. What he said made sense. ...