Face to face with... the floor.

I kept falling into the abyss, my mind fraying at the edges, slowly feeling crumbs of my soul fall off me and disappear into the darkness.

Then I heard air blowing past my ears as I kept falling. Air? It's supposed to be giant emptiness! How i-

I didn't react at first as I slammed into the black floor, smashing into it with full momentum, my body bouncing off it and tumbling to the side. As I landed on my back, it took me a while until the sensation reached my senses.

I was shattered, crushed to the tiny pieces by the impact. I howled like a madman as my entire self was assaulted by the agonizing pain. But as my screams turn to cries and then to weak sobs, I felt at peace. I will break down into tiny shards, disappear and Ora will finally rest, finally safe from me.

I was still intact despite my deepest wishes. I pant as I slowly regain feeling in my body and get up, pushing myself off the floor. It felt like glass to the touch but without any source of light, it was hard to tell what it truly was. Only indication where ground started were my feet, sharply contrasting against the infinite void that surrounded me.

I turn around checking the horizon that I assumed was there but I could be inside a giant sphere and I wouldn't be able to tell a difference.

Then I spotted Ora. My eyes hurt from the contrast between the void and her. I squinted my eyes as I reached out towards her, relieved to see my light again. I taken few steps towards her.

"Stop"

I froze in place on command, not even able to turn my head around to see who just gave me an order.

"On your knees and feet."

I could hear a sly snicker behind my back, accompanied by the clean clicks of their boots as I kneel and place my shaking hands against the floor. My heart start thumping in my ears when I realize as cold penetrates my palms and knees that I was complety nude in front of that intruder. Once their footstep reach my side, I could feel weight press down on my back, drawing a nervous whine out of me.

"Who are you?!" I cried out, mustering remains of my dignity to stop my voice from shaking and cracking. I only received an annoyed sigh in return, followed up with another command.

"Head down. You may only bark from now on." I tried to protest but only barks came out of my lips. As I started to cry, I felt hand rub against my head, chill going down my spine as I heard a whisper sliding right against my ear. "Good dog~"

Ora slowly approached us both and I could only whimper while twitching in fear. Save me sister. You will save me, right?

"I am so glad you came! Sir..?" I felt my heart sink.

"Just call me Alathier. Master or mistress, depending on my mood.

"Ummm.. sorry but I don't follow.

"I don't like limiting myself. Simple as.

I feel pats between my shoulders. I whimpered with shock as Ora sat down on my back next to Alathier.