I was forcefully propelled into the unknown; my body crashed onto the unforgiving surface of the cold, stone floor. It was eerily reminiscent of my last visit to this dark realm—the same musty scent, the same chilling aura that sent shivers down my spine. The room was poorly lit, save for a single torch burning in the corner. Its flame danced and flickered against the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to come alive in the darkness. It was the very room where I had been trapped before, where I had first encountered the menacing ruler of this twisted world. The memories flooded back, filling me with dread and determination as I prepared to face him once again.
My head was pounding as I struggled to get up, but my strength seemed to have left me. I became fearful as I realized that the encounter with Derek might have weakened or even destroyed my phoenix, which was silent inside of me.
