After several days of waiting, Bella and Caden were finally ready to leave and join Bella's friends. They had to extend their stay to allow Caden to settle a few matters before disappearing without a trace.
With their bags packed, Bella turned to her travel companion.
— Are you ready? she asked.
Caden, a small smile on his lips, nodded as he adjusted the strap of his bag.
— As ready as I can be. Let's go.
Without further delay, they left their lodging and headed to the train station. Their train would take them to the city where Bella's friends awaited them.
Meanwhile, at their destination, Zetch stood with his arms crossed, watching Aletha move about energetically. She was preparing everything for Bella's arrival, paying attention to the smallest details.
— You're exhausting yourself for nothing. She won't be here until tomorrow, he said in a disinterested tone.
But Aletha wouldn't hear it.
— Precisely! I prefer to prepare everything in advance.
Zetch sighed, shaking his head. He knew it was pointless to try and reason with her. Aletha was as stubborn as a mule. Yet, seeing her so cheerful, an involuntary smile crept onto his lips. Even if he wouldn't admit it, he was also eager to see Bella again.
Night had fallen on the train, and Bella and Caden had dozed off, lulled by the rolling of the rails.
But, as too often, Caden's sleep was haunted by a strange dream. He once again found himself facing the same woman who continuously returned to haunt his nights. Her voice echoed in his mind, fragmented, like a distant echo.
— She is coming… return… destroy everything… If you… repeat… ritual… lost… Be careful… in danger… fight together… Find… twelve… hurry… no more… time… quickly…
Then, a scene formed before his eyes. A woman stood at the center of a circle, surrounded by several indistinct figures. He couldn't tell if they were hostile or benevolent, but a heavy tension filled the air.
Suddenly, a blinding light engulfed the woman. Her scream of pain echoed, then she vanished in a dazzling burst.
Finally, just before the dream faded, an image appeared in his mind: an ancient engraving of a monastery. The building was carved into stone, with towering pillars and an imposing dome. Massive arches framed a large closed door, marked with unknown symbols. Around the structure, steep mountains stood watch over the sanctuary, giving it a majestic yet isolated presence.
His heart tightened. That monastery… He felt as if it truly existed.
Caden abruptly opened his eyes, breathing heavily.
Beside him, Bella, awakened by his sudden movement, watched him with concern.
— Are you okay? she asked softly.
Caden ran a hand over his face before nodding.
— Yes… It was those nightmares again. But this time, I saw more.
Bella frowned.
— More? What else did you see?
Caden shook his head, looking thoughtful.
— We'll talk about it tomorrow when we're with your friends.
Bella studied him for a moment, trying to read on his face what he wasn't saying. Finally, she nodded, agreeing to postpone the conversation. She nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
— Alright. Get some rest, then.
Gradually, her breathing became steady, and she drifted off to sleep. Caden, however, took longer to follow, the image of the monastery etched into his mind.