On Being Dead

[Kainai dArtois]

It was similar to being born. First she was trapped, there was a great pressure, agony and blood, then she spilled free from her oppressive shell and into the waiting arms of Nox, mother of all vampires. Swaddled in darkness, without form or purpose, Ruth's spirit roamed free across the vast expanse of the shadow realm. Though beautiful, it was not without violence. As a snake strangles its meal she twisted around other spirits, feeding and growing stronger. At first she had no desires, no emotions. She felt neither anger nor sorrow nor amusement, only the instinct to grow stronger. To be born anew.

O immortal soul
Sweep across the dusky realm
Reach for your return