Chapter 1: Restless Drea
On the desolate expanse of the mountain's peak, a solitary figure stood, his gaze fixed upon the tumultuous battlefield below.
His eyes, once filled with fire and determination, now reflected the chaos unfolding before him. It was a scene of absolute devastation, a cataclysmic clash of forces where valour and sacrifice had met their ultimate test.
As the wind howled around him, carrying the echoes of battle, the man stood in profound remorse. He was Captain Aric, a leader whose unwavering resolve had inspired his men to perform brave deeds.
But now, he was the last one left, a testament to their unwavering loyalty and courage. His heart bled with anguish, tears mixing with the crimson stains upon the armour.
In the stillness of that moment, he couldn't help but blame himself.
Each fallen comrade's face haunted him, their sacrifices etched into his soul. He had led them into this battle, and they had followed him without hesitation. Their lives, their dreams, extinguished on this blood-soaked battlefield.
Aric's thoughts turned to his loved ones, whose faces he cherished in his heart. He had vowed to defend them and the nation they hailed from, but now he was not sure if he had succeeded.
He experienced the burdensome weight of their aspirations and goals resting on his shoulders. The very land they had fought for lay ravaged and scarred beneath him.
He silently pledged as he stood there, his soul crushed.
"If given a second chance at life, I will honour my deceased friends, fiercely defend my country, and protect my loved ones from harm," the soldier said.
"My voice may have been muffled on this battlefield, but I won't let my spirit die" He sincerely hoped for a second chance in that time of despair—a chance to live once more and emerge from the rubble of this battlefield as a force of nature.
He wanted to be a symbol of unwavering courage, a living example of the sacrifices made by his soldiers, and a ray of hope.
The wind continued to howl, carrying his silent plea across the mountain's peak. Little did he know that this was not the end but the beginning—an opening chapter in a story of redemption, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit, waiting to unfold.
Hu...
Hu...
Hu...
Dream!
"Another dream!"
Aria was unaware of the tears streaming down her cheeks, the warm liquid that trickled down her cheeks, which she only noticed and gently wiped away.
It had been several days since she had been experiencing unsettling and breathtaking scenes in her dreams. A nobleman continued to greet her in her dreams. Who could he be? Aria wondered softly, calming herself.
"Ariaaaaaaa!!!"
Aria's train of thought was abruptly interrupted by her boisterous sibling.
"Here I am."
With just that simple call, the siblings seemed to understand each other perfectly. Aria and Aira grew up in impoverished circumstances, bereft of parents and extended family.
At just 15 years old, the twins bore the weight of survival on their young shoulders. Despite their challenging circumstances, their diligence and kindness made them beloved figures in their village, endearing them to the community.
Aria carefully tidied her sleeping area before making her way to the kitchen. The siblings' home was modest in size, yet within its confines, one could discern an aura of cleanliness and beauty. In the face of life's hardships, they had to summon their inner strength to maintain a peaceful and orderly existence.
This house had been bequeathed to them by their late parents, and it was a testament to their upbringing.
Aira noticed the teary eyes of Aria and sighed quietly in recognition. This scene was all too familiar to them both. It had started when their parents passed away seven years ago, but the bizarre dream had intensified over the past five days.
Aira couldn't help but feel sympathy for her sister, knowing that Aria's emotional resilience was delicate. She wished she could bear the burden alone.
"Aria, have your meal first. We're heading to Mr Caloi's field to harvest tomatoes after this," Aira reminded her sister gently.
"Would you like to take a stroll afterwards?" she inquired.
"Maybe next time. I've been sleep-deprived for days; I want to rest early after the harvest," Aria replied wearily to Aira. She began to eat, and Aira engaged in lively conversation, trying to divert her sister's attention from her worries.
In the modest sharing of their meal, Aria momentarily forgot her troubles.
***
"I'll change into my farm clothes briefly. Just wait for me outside," Aria told Aira, rising slowly to prepare herself.
While searching for her attire, Aria spotted the box her father had given them before his passing. He had sternly instructed them never to open it until they reached the age of 15.
However, amidst the many trials they had faced, the siblings had forgotten this directive. Aria picked up the box and was about to open it when she remembered her father's words.
"We're only supposed to open this when we're together, right?" she called out to Aira.
"Pray, do enlighten me, What vexatious matter has once again captured your attention, My dear beloved sista?!!!" Aira responded quickly, somewhat annoyed by her sister's call. But her irritation turned to surprise when she saw what Aria held.
"Right!!!" she exclaimed in astonishment. " Could this possibly be the very same box that our beloved father bestowed upon us in days of yore?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Aria has become accustomed to her exuberant sibling's excitement, which is why she often opts to disregard it.
"Hmm," Aria replied cautiously, eager to discover the contents of the box.
As they observed the box, it seemed unremarkable, with no special markings, but it bore inscriptions they couldn't decipher.
What could be inside?
The siblings carefully examined the box, for although its appearance was unassuming, it seemed to possess a certain charisma that captivated their gaze.
Simultaneously, they both felt a warm embrace, a sense of comfort, and a profound joy in just touching it.
While the siblings observed the box, they failed to notice the glowing pendant necklaces in the shape of keys hanging from their necks...