In the Realm of Darkness's Embrace
In the Realm of Darkness's Embrace
"Magic distorts the natural laws, altering things that shouldn't be altered. It operates by summoning spirits, and those who deliberately engage in this practice are often practitioners of dark arts. This is particularly hazardous for women like you, as they are more vulnerable to the allure of darkness!"
Liska can't shake off the priest's warnings. She possesses magical capabilities, but conceals them due to fear. She yearns for a conventional life in her village: Tend a farm, wed a man, bear children. So, she ventures into the nearby haunted forest, home to Leshy, a powerful daemon who transforms into a white stag for humans. Only within this forest, on Midsummer's Eve, does the legendary fern bloom, said to remove one's magic.
Liska's entrance into the forest is marked by the chaos brought on by spirits and daemons. Many harbor ill-will towards her, but she finds the fern bloom. In turn, Leshy discovers her. They strike a contract: Liska will reside with him for a year, following which her magic will vanish. A wooden talisman marks the agreement with the daemon.
Liska finds herself deeply engrossed in the ghostly forest and a decaying manor surrounded by an enchanted garden. Spirits inhabit the manor. Beneficent creatures that need Liska's sustenance to survive. Neglect, and chaos floods the realm. She befriends a gray ash kobold cat that vanishes whenever Leshy appears. Liska also often encounters a ghost's fiery dog's eyes. A library comes and goes at its own will. The candles in the house illuminate themselves.
Despite the spells and daemons, Liska feels at ease within the bizarre abode. She and Leshy form a friendship, and he bestows an ancient magical dagger upon her. He teaches her self-defense, as she uncovers an unsettling truth: The forest's balance is disrupted by Liska's powers, but it's also a secret Leshy has guarded for centuries. A secret that affects Liska profoundly.
And as for those still alive...
This spellbinding narrative appears like a fairy tale, but it's a tale of love, courage, and faith in one's self and abilities, even when others doubt you. It's Ania Poranek's "Where the Night Dwells," published by Arktis and DAV and narrated by Monika Oschek. It's a quest for self-discovery and defining one's role in life. This work by the Canadian author of Polish descent holds you captive and refuses to let go. You're on the edge of your seat, fully engrossed, experiencing goosebumps - and yes, a few tears may roll down your cheeks.
Ania Poranek's captivating language and Monika Oschek's tender voice persuade you. In "Where the Night Lingers," the elements subtly collide. As a reader or listener, you long to explore the ghostly forest, find the weathered mansion, and enter through the creaking door. You pine to meet the kobold cat, wait for the library's arrival, and browse its contents. You desire to cast spells, to hold your breath. You simply want to partake in this magical tale and possess magical talents. Yes, even if you're merely an observer.
Liska finds solace in the fantasy of living in the enchanted forest, longing for the night when the legendary fern blooms to remove her magical abilities. Over time, she discovers a love for the bizarre and magical happenings within the haunted manor, wishing she could cast spells and hold her breath like the characters in Ania Poranek's enchanting story.