"Huh? What is this?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe.
The light grew brighter, bathing her in its warmth. It was a sensation she hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity. It pushed against her, drawing her toward it, and she felt her limbs respond for the first time. The numbness that had gripped her for so long began to fade.
'What's happening?: she thought, her mind racing. The light could mean salvation—or destruction. But she had no choice. The pull of the light was irresistible.
Her breath quickened, uneven and shallow, as she stumbled forward, drawn to the radiant source. The shadows clung to her, reluctant to let go, their whispers growing louder.
"Stay with us..."
"Don't leave..."
"You belong here..."
The voices weren't harsh but mournful, pleading. Melina faltered, a pang of guilt gnawing at her. These shadows had been her only companions in the void. They had filled the silence, given her a semblance of connection when she had no one else.
But the light beckoned her. Its warmth promised something more—a chance to have a new life.
"I... I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But I can't stay here anymore."
The shadows recoiled, their tendrils slipping away reluctantly as she moved closer to the light.
She glanced at the shadows that had been her companions in this abyss. Her heart clenched. They had been her only company. She didn't want to abandon them, but her body no longer obeyed her will.
Warmth flooded her body as the light consumed her completely.
Her heavy eyelids fluttered open, revealing a blurry world filled with shapes and colors she could hardly comprehend. Muffled sounds echoed in her ears, chaotic yet strangely comforting.
Melina struggled to make sense of her surroundings. Her limbs felt weak, and her eyes burned with exhaustion. The heaviness was almost unbearable, but curiosity outweighed her fatigue. When she finally forced her eyes open completely, she found herself lying in the arms of someone, surrounded by the voices of the people in the room.
______
"Well, this place is way better than my old world," Melina muttered, her gaze wandering to the vibrant garden beyond the windows. "But I'm not about to sit here all day doing nothing. That'd be boring."
A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Guess I'll sneak out and see what's out there."
She dashed to the wardrobe in the corner of the room, rummaging through its contents before settling on a simple yet elegant outfit that allowed for easy movement. Once dressed, she grabbed a small space ring from the desk, slipping it onto her finger. She began stuffing the ring with supplies—food, money, a few trinkets—until she was satisfied.
Melina paused, glancing back at the desk. She grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill, scribbling a quick note.
She left it on the desk, grinning as she imagined the look on her grandpa's face when they found it.
Using her powers, she turned herself invisible, slipping out of the room undetected. The castle was enormous, with long corridors and vigilant guards stationed at every corner. But Melina moved with ease, her years of training in stealth paying off. She avoided the guards effortlessly, finally reaching the grand castle gates.
"This is my chance!" she whispered to herself, excitement bubbling in her chest. She leaped over the towering wall, landing gracefully on the other side. A large mountain range spread out before her, its peaks shrouded in thick purple clouds.
She frowned at the sight but didn't hesitate. "May all my training pay off," she murmured, taking a deep breath. Then, without a second thought, she jumped off the cliff.