I found myself surrounded in absolute darkness: no person, item, or sound—only the void of darkness moving endlessly around me.
Confusion set in as my eyes searched the emptiness, desperate to find anything or anyone to reduce the fear.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something, I saw stones of various sizes and colours arranged in a circle, and at the centre of the rocks lay a pool of water.
Curious at the sight, I moved towards it. As I reached the edge, I knelt in front of the pool of water.
I fixed my gaze on the water, my eyes softening at the sight of vibrant fish gracefully weaving through the currents. They moved in harmony, their scales gently altering the flow of the pool. A smile tugged at my lips as I watched in quiet fascination, lost in the serene beauty of the moment.
But then, without warning, the pool was bathed in a sudden, intense light. The water shimmered as it reflected the image of a luminous moon, bright against the darkness.
Shocked, I quickly turned away from the pool, my breath catching as I looked up. There, suspended in the pitch-black void, was a colossal moon, its brightness overwhelming the surrounding darkness.
As I stared at the moon, it abruptly turned pitch black, and in an instant, the surroundings transformed. I found myself in a forest encircled by towering, dark trees that reached towards the sky. The grass underfoot was lush, green and thriving, and the air was filled with the natural sound of rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
Despite the peacefulness of this vibrant forest, my focus was drawn entirely to the abnormal black moon hanging overhead. It was so out of place in this lively environment. It felt empty, dark... mysterious.
"We're waiting."
The voice, chilling and otherworldly, made me flinch. I spun around, my heart pounding, only to face a group of shadowy figures emerging from the forest. Their eyes glowed with a sickly, ghostly light, piercing and staring directly into my soul. They advanced closer towards me as I moved back slowly with dread and despair. The figures' movements were unnatural and fluid as they reached towards me.
The figure's murmur filled the space, making the air thick and suffocating to breathe. Overwhelmed by the fear that gripped me, I let out a blood-curdling scream.
✨🌙✨
With a jolt and a scream, I awoke, heart pounding and drenched in sweat, the chilling remnants of the dream clinging to my skin.
I glanced around the room, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I tried to orient myself to the familiar surroundings.
"Emily?"
I turned toward the open door to see Eric standing there, his face a picture of alarm and panic.
"I heard you scream," he said urgently, his voice laced with concern as he stepped into the room, his eyes searching mine for some sign of reassurance.
I stared at him, my body still trembling as I struggled to steady my breath and calm my racing heart.
Before I could find my words, Lucas burst into the room, his expression one of intense worry and determination. He quickly crossed the room and sat down beside me on the bed.
"It's okay," Lucas said softly, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. "Everything is alright. You're safe."
He took my trembling hand in his, his touch warm and steady. As he began to massage my hand gently, his movements were deliberate and calming, each stroke designed to ease my fear and bring a sense of safety.
My breathing settled, and my heart started to quiet as I concentrated on Lucas's comforting words. His eyes softened in response to my wet gaze, taking on a tenderness that appeared to melt away any last trace of dread. Lucas's lips formed a soft, comforting grin, a kind look that made it clear how much he cared about me.
At that moment, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the intimate connection between us. I felt a flush of embarrassment as I helplessly stared at his face, savouring the warmth of his hand against mine.
"Are you okay?"
Eric's voice, concerned and gentle, cut through the quiet, causing us to reluctantly break our gaze. I looked up at my brother, noticing his gaze fixed on the ground and his arms folded, a clear sign of his discomfort at our intimate scene.
"You seem to be fine now... thanks to Lucas," Eric said, his tone carrying a hint of snark, though his eyes softened as he glanced back at me.
"Yes, I'm fine now," I replied, rising from my bed with Lucas following closely behind. "Thank you, too."
Eric's concern lingered as he asked, "What made you scream?" His voice carried a persistent edge of worry.
"A dream," I answered honestly, my voice trembling slightly.
"More like a nightmare," Lucas interjected, his brows furrowing with concern.
"What was the dream about?" Eric pressed, his tone growing more insistent.
"I—it's um…" I stammered, feeling hesitant and vulnerable as I struggled to find the words.
"She's not comfortable sharing it yet, so maybe later," Lucas interjected smoothly, his gaze remaining fixed on Eric as he spoke.
Eric's expression hardened at Lucas's intervention. "I didn't ask you," he snapped, his eyes narrowing.
Lucas took a deep breath, his demeanour shifting as he prepared to respond. Before he could speak, I interjected, "Eric, there's no need to speak to him like that."
Eric's frustration flared, and his voice edged with exasperation. "Emily, I'm just trying to understand. It feels like this island is pulling you away from me. All I see you doing is spending time in the library, baking pastries or hanging out with Lucas! I can't help but feel like you're drifting farther away from me."
I glanced at Lucas, who silently left my side and walked towards the door. With a final, steady look in my direction, he quietly left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
Eric's gaze remained fixed on the ground; his frustration palpable. "All this is for the mission," I said, trying to offer some reassurance with a small smile.
Eric shook his head, his voice tinged with sadness. "It doesn't feel that way. You seem more at ease here on the island than you ever did in Tauris. Everything and everyone are changing."
His voice faltered, and he looked away, clearly struggling with his emotions. "I-I'm scared."
Concerned, I reached out gently, my eyes searching his face. "Eric, are you okay?"
His gaze met mine, revealing a mix of frustration and sadness. "I'm finding it hard to adjust to this new life... the powers, the silence between us for weeks. I'm feeling so lonely," he admitted.
"Oh," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm really sorry I didn't notice sooner. How about after the festival, we spend some time together—just you and me?" I suggested with a reassuring smile.
Eric's expression softened slightly, and he chuckled quietly. "That sounds good. I'd like that."
"But... I'm guessing you won't tell me about your dream, will you?" he asked, his tone shifting to a more probing note.
"I can't," I replied honestly. "It was complicated."
Eric's gaze shifted towards the door, and he spoke with a hint of frustration. "Well, Lucas is probably waiting for you in the living room. He's likely eager to comfort you," he said, his voice carrying an edge of annoyance.
I noted the subtle tension in his words and the lingering frustration in his tone. Despite his irritation, his concern for me was evident.
"You and Lucas... have not been getting along well?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.
"It's complicated," Eric answered with a shrug. "I'll be in my room. I don't want to interrupt you two."
I watched as he turned and walked out of the room, his shoulders hunched slightly.
✨🌙✨
I descended the stairs quietly, my eyes settling on Lucas in the living room, engrossed in a book. I took a seat beside him, and he closed the book gently, turning his attention to me.
"Is everything okay?" Lucas asked, his voice laced with concern.
I nodded slowly, though my gaze was thoughtful. "Yes, but I've been neglecting Eric lately."
Lucas offered a reassuring smile. "A lot has been happening. It's not entirely your fault."
"I know," I admitted, my voice softening. "But I need to be more attentive. He's been feeling isolated."
Lucas's gaze dropped, and a flicker of guilt crossed his face as he studied his darkened fingers. I glanced at his hands, a small smile tugging at my lips. 'The darkness has stopped spreading for weeks' I thought, a hint of relief washing over me.
"It makes sense why he would feel that way," Lucas said quietly. "From the training on our powers, he's seemed hesitant. Everything he knew about his life has changed... I understand how he feels."
I looked at his face, noticing the way it had grown more downcast, his mind deep in thought. "I would love some insight then. How exactly do you understand?" I asked gently.
Lucas's gaze shifted back to me; his expression serious. "My life went from stealing food and living in caves with my friends to having a comfortable life in Tauris."
I blinked, baffled by his comment, which made him chuckle. "Isn't that a good thing?" I asked, my tone lightening.
"It is," he admitted, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "But I miss my old life, especially my friends. I had no one to relate to."
I nodded, understanding the depth of his feelings. "What were your old friends like?"
Lucas's lips curled into a large smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement and excitement.
′Aw,′ I thought, charmed by his expression.
"There were two older kids, Clara and Levi. They were the ones who called the shots... though they could be a bit bossy, especially Clara," Lucas said, his excitement bubbling over.
"And Trevon was my best friend," he continued, his voice warm with fondness. "He was a bit uptight, but once you got to know him, he was fun and really nice. We usually travelled around the land... the adventures we had were inspiring."
I smiled as he rambled on about one of his adventures of breaking into a lord's house to steal food and clothes. Despite how fun he made it sound, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the many magic users in the past who had lived such harsh lives.
"What happened to them?" I asked gently, offering a soft smile.
Lucas froze at my question, his face suddenly clouding with sadness and guilt. His eyes dropped to his hands, lost in thought.
"Well, the older kids... they were found," he said slowly, causing my smile to fade as I understood the implication. "And Trevon... he left me. He didn't want anything to do with me," Lucas added with a sad chuckle.
I sighed, feeling the weight of his words. "So, Trevon may still be out there."
"Yeah, he probably is. I'd like to see him again, even though he doesn't want to see me," Lucas admitted, a bittersweet grin crossing his face.
"There could be a chance that he's in the Islands." I voiced my thoughts.
"I think we should not steer far away from the mission." Lucas reminds me. "But thanks."
"Speaking of the mission, the festivals will be the perfect time for me to get closer to the King—with the help of some pastries," I said with a hint of enthusiasm.
"I'll be with you, just in case the King can't be trusted," Lucas added, his protective nature shining through.
I nodded, my gaze drifting to the pile of books and scrolls about Hecate on the desk. My thoughts wandered back to the dream.
"I think the dream I had is related to my northern powers," I said, almost absentmindedly as I stared at the books.
Lucas sat upright; his interest piqued. "What do you mean?"
"I've been seeing shadows... I didn't think much of it until they started appearing in my dreams," I answered honestly.
"And since there's no book on Northerners, I don't know what to make of it," I added, frustration creeping into my voice.
"Shadows?" Lucas repeated, his face reflecting his confusion.
"This full moon festival is important," I said, meeting Lucas's gaze. "I need to confront the King about the lack of books on Northerners."
Lucas nodded in understanding.
✨🌙✨
Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Thalia in her school uniform.
"Hello, Thalia," Lucas greeted her. "How was the trip?"
Thalia stood in the doorway; her face serious as she looked at us. "I need everyone. Where's Eric?" she asked, ignoring Lucas's greeting.
"What's the rush?" I asked, sensing the urgency in her tone.
"I have information on what caused the withering crops across the land," Thalia replied.