[KARRIN]
The urgency pulses within me, a desperate need to reach something elusive. But who is this mysterious "he"? Why does he covet what I seek? The answers remain elusive, veiled in the mist of my subconscious.
As I burst through a door, there he stands—the enigmatic figure with the ring. His words cut through the air like a blade: "Late, as always, dear fiancé."
The title resonates within me, even though my conscious mind grapples with confusion. Why does he call me that? And why does his smile ignite a primal rage?
The scene shifts, and I find myself in a grand hall. Its beauty, once vibrant, now wanes
. A throne commands attention, and beside it lies a crown and a sword. Three pieces yearn for reunion, but the fourth—the missing fragment—echoes my own emptiness. It's as if destiny beckons me to complete this puzzle.
I step toward the throne, my heart echoing the wilting flowers.
The weight of the crown upon my brow feels both ancient and rightful. The sword, despite its imposing appearance, rests easily in my grasp.
As I sit, the hall blazes with light, and voices—long silenced—whisper, "Finally, you are back, your highness." Their longing pierces my soul.
Yet, just as I ascend, a force pushes me away. The plea echoes: "Claim your birthright... come back to us…you have to comeback"
My birthright?
But what is it?
The night swallowed me whole, its tendrils wrapping around my limbs as I sprinted through the void. My footsteps echoed, a desperate rhythm against the silence. My heart raced, and my breath came in ragged gasps as I ran through the darkness. Why was I running? From what? I couldn't remember.
Exhaustion clawed at my chest, urging me to stop. My legs wobbled, knees threatening to give way. Maybe a brief rest wouldn't hurt. Just a moment to catch my breath, to close my eyes—
"Are you a fool?" The voice sliced through the darkness, and I froze. A man emerged from the shadows, his features shifting like smoke. His hair, as dark as the abyss, framed a face too perfect for reality. His eyes—deep blue, like forgotten memories—held mine captive.
"Huh?" I managed, my voice a whisper.
"Well, I can understand you're reborn," he said, playing with his hair. "But common sense, my dear. Even in dreams."
Dream. The word hung in the air, both comforting and unsettling. Was this a dream? Or something more?
"Who are you?" I asked, squinting to see him clearly.
" I?...You are not yet qualified to know that," he said and sighed "these dreams can be treacherous. Choose wisely."
"what's your name?" I asked again coming more closer to him. He was too…
I swallowed and he swallowed too?
"Names can wait," he replied, leaning closer. "What do they call you on Earth?"
My mind raced. "Me?"
"My name?"
"Yes, your name. What is it?"
"it's..."
"It is K…"
"Ka…"
"Karrin?
"Karrin?"
The blurred voices swirled around me, like distant echoes through a fog. My head throbbed, and I struggled to open my eyes. Three men—faces indistinct—hovered over me. Sam? elder brother?
"Karrin?" Sam's voice cut through the haze. "Can you hear me?"
I tried to respond, but my lips felt heavy, uncooperative. Darkness beckoned, and I closed my eyes again.
"Doctor," Sam's urgency filled the room. "Why did my sister close her eyes again?"
"Hmm," the doctor's calm reassurance reached me. "Mr. Evan, this is a good sign. Let her rest. She'll wake up on her own."
Gratitude swirled in my brother's voice. "Thank you, Doctor."
"Not at all," the doctor replied. "This is—"
And then, drowsiness claimed me once more, pulling me back into the abyss. The voices faded, and I surrendered to the quiet, hoping that when I opened my eyes again, clarity would replace the shadows.
The morning light filtered through the hospital room, casting a gentle glow on Sam's tousled hair as he slept by my side. The surroundings were pristine—far fancier than any Netflix series. Tubes connected me to machines, monitoring my heartbeat. An inhaler rested over my mouth, its purpose clear.
Through the glass door, I glimpsed a man—the back of his figure—undoubtedly my elder brother. The accident must have been severe; my bandaged body attested to that.
I reached out and stroked Sam's hair. His eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to relief when he saw me. I smiled, grateful for his presence.
"Sister, are you okay?" His voice held a mix of concern and sleepiness.
I nodded, attempting to remove the inhaler. Sam intercepted my hand. "I don't think you should do that."
I shrugged, but he darted out to fetch our brother. Brother rushed in, his touch gentle as he stroked my hair. "Karrin, are you feeling, okay?"
Again, I nodded, my breath steadier. Their smiles mirrored my own.
Now, fully awake, I observed them. Brother —a disheveled mess with uncombed hair and rolled-up sleeves, buttons undone—was a rare sight. Sam, though, surpassed him in disarray. Bloodstains marred his shirt. Was it my blood?
I tried to remove the inhaler once more, ignoring Evan's protest. "I'm okay now," I stammered, determined.
And then I coughed, "well…almost." I spoke
"Almost," brother sighed, glancing at Sam. "I'll call the doctor. Keep an eye on her."
"Of course," Sam agreed, mischief dancing in his eyes.
As brother left, Sam teased me. "You look way cuter like this. Maybe I'll post a picture on your socials."
"Shut up," I retorted, regretting my inability to throw something at him.
"But your fans would be heartbroken," he persisted.
"Sam?" I sweetened my tone. "Keep your mouth shut or get out."
He continued teasing even as the clothes arrived. Only when Evan returned with the doctor did he fall silent.
"Ms. Karrin," the doctor said, examining me. "You're recovering remarkably fast. Unexpected."
"At this rate," he continued, addressing brother, "she'll stay admitted for only a week. Rest and liquid intake only."
"Thank you, doctor" brother said.
"Get well soon, Ms. Karrin." Doctor said
I smiled, and the doctor left. Brother informed us that our parents would arrive soon, urging Sam to change clothes.
But then his question caught me off guard. "Karrin, have you encountered any death-like situations before?"
I shook my head, bewildered. Sam echoed my confusion. "Obviously not."
Evan leaned closer. "Both of you mentioned 'again.' What does that mean?"
"Huh?" Sam and I exchanged puzzled glances.
"Did we say 'again'?"