I awoke to a large, grandiose room. The scarlet walls on my left and right displayed fancy picture frames hanging from them. Except it wasn't pictures inside the frames. Instead, there were novels. Both famous and unknown, being displayed. The white baseboards depicted a repetitive flowery design across the bottom of the walls. The beautiful, dark brown wood floors complimented the walls perfectly and gave off a prestigious vibe, letting you know the owner of such a marvelous room could only belong to nobility. Trust me, I would know.

Below me was a long, traditional Persian rug. It was blood red and depicted various intricate designs that were beyond my understanding. I looked in front of me to see the rug climb up a small set of stairs and stop in front of what appeared to be a tall throne.

A throne room, I thought. For who?

"It would be for none other than I," a voice responded from the throne.

I looked up to see an elegant looking woman with her legs crossed and her hands resting on top of her leg, exuding an aura of superiority. She looked to be in her late twenties with fairly small facial features. She wore a long, slim amethyst dress that covered most of her body and stretched past her feet, essentially hiding them.

Her most defining features were easily her illuminating yellow eyes, which looked as if they were peering into my soul, and her snowy white hair. In-between her long, silky looking white hair revealed to be a singular braid that was half the length of the other strands of hair. It hid amongst the sea of white, as if lost in a forest of snow.

Seeing her startled me, and my body's usual reaction was to jump. However, my body appeared to be paralyzed, aside from my head. It was then that I noticed how I was frozen. My elbows were flat on the floor as were my palms. My knees were tucked in together, my back was straight and my feet were glued. This posture was weird. It was almost like I was—

"Worshipping," she said, interrupting my train of thought. "Yes, indeed you who lost are nothing but a captive. A lowly slave who should obey the orders of his queen."

"And you're the queen?" I asked.

She grinned and gestured towards herself with her hand. "But of course. I am the queen of knowledge. It is my divine right to know everything there is to know about this world."

She's completely insane, I thought.

"You would not be the first to think that."

I frowned. "...And you can read minds."

"Well of course. To counteract those who try to keep information from me, I simply peer into their heads. Although, your facial expressions give away what you're thinking so I haven't had a need to."

She wasn't wrong. I've always been a horrible liar because my face gives it away.

I looked at her, seeing if she would respond to my thoughts, but we merely exchanged stares. I guess she wasn't lying.

"So where exactly am I?"

"Why, In your consciousness of course."

My face must've reflected my confusion because she immediately started to elaborated.

"I guess brain would be easier for you to comprehend."

"My brain? How'd I get here and why are you here?"

"Hmm. I didn't take you as the inquisitive type. I'll make a note of that."

She paused for a second and then continued. "Well, do you remember getting stabbed by this weapon?"

She put her hands a could inches apart and a familiar dagger fell into her arms.

Memories flashed back into my head. I was with Mr. Reginald, Mary and Tucker. We were fighting my father and then we all—We all died, I think.

"So you're the one who possessed my dad and killed us."

She laughed. "I definitely stabbed you, if that's what you're asking. But killing you isn't within my power."

"What do you mean?"

Rather than answer my question, she stood up, her long dress once again covering her feet, and slowly walked down the steps. Once she was standing in front of my head, she stopped.

"Stand," she ordered.

My body instantly shot up, as if she was it's real owner. She inserted the blade right through my chest. It was deep, and even though I couldn't turn around I could tell it popped out of my back. The pain was unimaginable. My chest burned in agony and I felt like I was out of breath. My legs felt like they were going to give out, even though that wasn't where she stabbed me. I began sweating profusely.

Strangely, I wasn't bleeding. I wanted to pull the blade out but I wasn't in control of my hands. Finally, she pulled the blade out and it disappeared as magically as it appeared. I grabbed my chest, as if I could magically move my arms again. However, in a few seconds my wound closed up and the pain went away completely.

"What just..."

"This blade causes unimaginable pain as long as it penetrates skin, although you don't really feel light scratches," she explained.

She frowned. "Unfortunately, it would not kill you even if I were to pierce your heart."

"If it cant kill, then what's its purpose?"

"Once cut, it allows me to devour a person's consciousness, effectively taking over their body and mind."

"And who are you? You haven't really explained that, Ms., umm."

"Myala," she said.

"Right, Ms. Myala, who are you?"

She sighed. "Haven't you figured that part out yet?"

She poked my forehead. "Isn't that thing in there working? Just because I'm the Queen of knowledge doesn't mean you should leave all the thinking to me. But, whatever. Since your cranium doesn't seem to be functioning, I'll explain."

She puffed out her chest as she began to boast. "I am Myala, a demon who resides inside the blade Essentia, one of the gifts sent to the world, hand crafted by the goddesses."

I stared at her in disbelief. "The goddesses, as in the twin goddesses of creation and destruction that created the world? I know I read those in story books but aren't those just myths?"

She raised a finger like a teacher would to an ignorant student. "On the contrary, Young Arthur, they are very real. Although you should disregard anything the story tells you about them caring about this world. To them, all lifeforms are their playthings. Even me."

"Shouldn't you resent them for how they view you as nothing but a toy?"

"On the contrary, I'm very grateful for the life bestowed upon me." She shot a look of pure malice at the blade. "Even if I am trapped in this disgraceful dagger."

She then clasped her hands on her chest, where her heart was, and smiled warmly. "And of course, I'm happy they granted me my love of knowledge."

She really does love knowledge, I thought. Maybe if I learn about her I can get out of this situation.

Ms. Myala's face changed for a split second but she didn't say anything.

"Umm, I've been meaning to ask but, why exactly do love knowledge so much?"

The beautiful woman looked stunned for a second, as if she wasn't expecting the question. Then her eyes gleamed with joy, like she was waiting for an excuse to talk about it. She took a deep breath and then began to speak incredibly fast.

"Knowledge is just the greatest, you know. A simple minded child like you might not know but knowledge is the be all end all. You think power and authority rule the universe?"

She pointed a finger at me without even giving me a chance to think. "No! It is knowledge. Knowledge is the strongest power. It is the finest and beautiful form of entertainment that exist. It is the most accurate and destructive power in creation. With enough knowledge, even supreme beings can be brought to their knees. Just look how far you pathetic humans have come. You are a weak, frail existence. But with knowledge, you managed to climb to the top of the food chain. There is no greater gift one can receive than knowledge. Strategy? Planning? Weaknesses? All that is a accredited to knowledge. Knowledge is absolute."

As she said this next part, her speech slowed and her smile became more sadistic.

"And by far the most intriguing subject to learn about is the human mind."

Fear that wasn't there before formed inside me. The hairs on my body stood up and my mind entered a sudden fight or flight response, as if my brain was just now finding out how dangerous this woman could potentially be.

I flashed a warm smile but the fear erased any innocence in my face, resulting in a dry, nervous expression. "W-w-what do you mean human mind?"

"Humans are by far the most interesting creatures on this planet," she said with a soft tone that was only slightly louder than a whisper. "What other creatures do you know of that constantly backstab and betray their own people? That sell out their own kind for minimal benefit. That cheat, lie, steal, and kill for seemingly no reason. Humans can have such warped and demented personalities."

"But—

She cut me off. "Unfortunately, after decades of watching the same betrayals, killings, and selfish tendencies, I'll admit I've grown rather disinterested in your kind's petty actions."

A wave of relief set in. "See we're not that—

She stepped in my face to the point where our noses were practically touching. Her jasmine fragrance probably would've been alluring if her personality wasn't so erratic.

"But you Arthur, have the potential to be a gem. You could be the twisted human I've been looking for."

I waved out my hands to dissuade her belief. "Huh? Who me? No way. I'm a pretty dull person. I'm not witty, fast, or strong. There's nothing special about me."

"Really?" she said in my ear almost seductively. "You watched your friends "die" and didn't shed so much as a tear. And once your friends died your personality warped beyond belief. You claim to be slow, yet you outmaneuvered two of my fastest guards. Not only that, you managed to defeat the one that caught you with ease, yet you claim to be weak. How delusional can you be?" She mocked.

"But—

"And once you got stabbed, your personality only changed more. Before you were afraid to even shoot. But once stepping into death's door, you abandoned all your useless morals, entered a trance-like state and shot anyone in your path. If I hadn't stabbed you, your father would probably be dead right now, as would you."

I couldn't say anything. Everything she was saying was correct. Even though I don't like to admit it, I definitely changed during that fight. I did things that weren't like me at all. All because of that familiar voice.

"Now let me see your true self," she said.

She put her hands on my cheeks and looked deeply into my eyes. The air tensed as her face looked more serious than any other time before. Her yellow eyes felt like they were gazing through me. Confused and uncomfortable, I attempted to jerk my head back but her palms gripped harder.

"No sudden movements," she ordered.

Right after she said that, my whole body froze. For a couple of seconds she stared directly into my soul. Then, she released her grip and took a step back. Her gleeful smile returned as she appeared more ecstatic than before. Her yellow eyes looked like they were practically glowing. She seemed to be brimming with joy.

"You Arthur, are perfect!"

I smiled nervously. "Excuse me?"

Like before, she began to speak extremely quickly. "I had my hopes and you did not disappoint. You're broken. So unbelievably broken. Your mind; your psyche, the way you operate, is all so fascinating. The facade you carry on daily, the fake mask you try your hardest to maintain, the memories you struggle to suppress, and the sleeping demon you're afraid of awakening. It's fascinating; all so fascinating."

I had no idea what she was talking about, but it didn't seem like she'd simply let me go.

"Arthur!"

I jumped. "Yes ma'am!" I answered.

"I want you to wield me."

"What do you mean wield you? Like stab people for you to eat their consciousness?"

She smiled. "Well yes, I do need to eat. But don't worry, I don't require more than a person or two to last a week.

"Huh? Then why did you decide to eat everyone in the mansion?"

Her facial expression made it seem like I asked something dumb. "Arthur, do you eat for nutrients or pleasure?"

I lowered my head. "...I see your point."

"But back to the topic at hand. Use me," she demanded. "If you do so Tucker, Reginald, and your father will all be released from my control."

"Ok, I'll do it."

She tilted her head. "Ok?"

Tears began to form in her eyes as the graceful queen burst into laughter. She laughed for about thirty seconds before showing any signs of stopping.

Weird. Did I say something funny?

She wiped a tear from her eye. "I'm sorry. It's just, the past victims I put in your situation are so righteous they deny my offer immediately and swear I'll curse them or something equally as ludicrous."

She pointed at me. "But you," she laughed. "You accepted it without a second thought."

"Well of course. I'll do anything to save my friends."

She rested her hand on her cheek. "Hmm. I wonder whether that's your kindness or moral obligation talking."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't mind me. Just thinking out loud."

Ms. Myala rematerialized the blade and shoved it into my hands. "Take good care of me now," she smirked.

"Umm."

"Yes, is there something else you need?" Her way of speaking was similar to that of a sales clerk assisting a customer.

"Well, earlier you mentioned Tucker, Mr. Reginald, and my father. But you didn't mention Mary. What happened to her?"

Ms. Myala's eyebrows furrowed, as if the question itself was enough to irritate her. She snapped her fingers and a mirror appeared on the side of both of us I wanted to question how that was possible, but then I remembered we're in my mind, where anything is possible.

She looked at me with daggers in her eyes. "If anything, I should be asking you who Mary is. No, if anything, what is Mary? There's no fathomable way that maid is human."

The mirror, which was showing my reflection moments ago, showed us a picture of the secret bunker room under the basement. Inside the room, at least a hundred bodies lay waste, including Tucker's, Mr. Reginald's, and mine. My father laid on a pile of bodies and the knife that was in his hands lying on the floor.

Standing at the center of the carnage, was Mary, her maid outfit now bloodied, though I doubt any of it was her own. She was looking up at the ceiling, her crimson eyes hiding a hint of melancholy. After a few seconds, the image dispersed and it turned back into a normal mirror. Then it disappeared.

"Mary won?"

Ms. Myala pouted. "Stupid overpowered human. Whatever, I'm done with you. You may return home now."

But I have more questions, I thought. For what purpose was she made? And what were the other gifts the goddesses sent? And what does she mean by the sleeping demon?

But before I could ask anything more, she walked back up and sat on the throne. Then, she snapped her fingers so loudly it echoed throughout the whole room. The walls started to dissolve and the floor shook violently. The floor dissipated and I fell began to fall through.

As I was falling, I looked at Ms. Myala who was slowly waving me goodbye, although she was still frowning. I fell through the now non-existent floor and entered what looked like space but without any planets. There were bright star shaped lights all over the otherwise dark-blue barren sky. I began to feel very tired and closed my eyes as I once again felt my consciousness slip away from me.