"Fire that has died is never truly gone, boy. It only smolders… waiting for breath to wake it again."
"Master!!! MASTER!!!"
I gasped, jolting awake at the urgent voice calling me. My chest rose and fell rapidly as my vision adjusted to the dim room. Tama's face was just inches away from mine, her wide eyes studying me.
"Master? What happened? You've been flinching in your sleep."
I exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples. That dream… why was I having it now?
It felt more like a nightmare.
That old hag's face— the one l met at the academy gate that other day—why did she appear in my dreams? And her words... they were still echoing in my mind.
Shaking off the lingering unease, I climbed out of bed. Rin was still snoring peacefully. I moved to the washbasin in the corner, splashing cold water on my face.
I needed to focus.
When I returned, Tama was still watching me intently.
"Are you okay, Master?"
I forced a small smirk. "Hey, Blacky. Don't worry about me. What's up?"
