"Just a few more hours... my darling."
That man's words made my body tremble. My breath caught in my throat. My vision blurred. My knees gave out... and in an instant, everything went black.
I passed out.
Darkness engulfed me,cold and suffocating.
Please, not again... I whimpered silently, praying this was just a nightmare.
Then, a faint light appeared in the distance. Like a small torch in the dead of night. I slowly walked toward it.
The light led me to an old white door, standing alone in the darkness. Without hesitation, I reached for the handle and pushed it open.
When I stepped out, I found myself in a vast meadow at the foot of misty mountains.
Beneath one tree, a small boy sat curled up. His body trembled, eyes swollen, crying silently as if afraid something terrifying might hear him.
I wanted to approach him, but before I could move, someone beat me to it.
A woman appeared behind me not walking, but floating gracefully like morning dew. Her beauty was breathtaking. Her eyes glowed golden like moonlight, and her long hair flowed like strands of golden silk.
She slowly approached the boy, kneeling before him and gently reaching out her hand.
"Don't be afraid, sweet child... come with me," she said, her voice calm and soothing.
The boy still trembled, staring at her with distrust and fear.
"I'll care for you... and protect you forever," she added, her voice full of warmth. "I won't let the world hurt you again."
She smiled gently at him. A smile so tender it could melt anyone's fear. Slowly, the boy stopped crying. He looked at the hand offered to him… and after a moment's hesitation, he took it.
Together, they walked hand in hand, disappearing into the thinning fog.
I was moved. I wanted to know who they were… where they were going.
I took a step, trying to follow them but then, I froze.
A cold hand wrapped around my waist from behind, holding me firmly. My heart pounded, and before I could scream, I was forced to turn around.
There he was.
Tall. Handsome. But something about him was terribly wrong.
His eyes blood red like embers in the dark. His gaze pierced through my soul, shattering every ounce of courage I had. My body trembled. My breath caught.
He leaned closer and whispered,
"Wait for my revenge, darling...".
His smile was terrifying.
"I'll make you suffer... slowly."
He grinned, and suddenly, his hand gripped my throat.
Choking me.
I struggled, kicked, trying to escape but his grip only tightened. I couldn't breathe. My eyes widened, the world spinning.
I was suffocating.
"AAARGH!!"
I jolted awake with a scream, gasping for air, drenched in cold sweat.
"Hah...hah... It was just... a dream...".
I touched my neck it still felt like I was being choked. My heart raced, thudding uncontrollably.
Not long after, Mom burst into my room, face full of panic. She rushed to my side and hugged me tightly, as if afraid to let go.
"Are you okay, Rya?" she asked shakily, stroking my back gently.
"I'm fine, Mom. Just a nightmare," I replied, though my voice still trembled.
"Fine?! Your dad and I found you unconscious in front of his office!" Mom's voice with worry. "We were so scared, honey. You were out for quite a while."
I looked down, thinking hard. Should I tell her about the man I saw in Dad's office earlier? But, she wouldn't believe me. She'd probably think I was hallucinating or watching too many horror movies.
Better... not yet. I'll keep it to myself until I'm sure what I saw was real.
After a moment of silence, I nodded slowly, trying to come up with a plausible excuse.
Maybe I was exhausted from running laps at school today. Maybe it really was just a hallucination. I told myself, forcing positive thoughts.
"Maybe I was just tired, Mom," I said with a small smile. "I was late to class and got punished with laps."
Mom looked at me with worry but eventually nodded. "Okay, as long as you're alright."
She sighed and smiled gently. "Now get up and shower. I made your favorite omelet."
My eyes lit up. "Seriously, Mom? The one with cheese and mushrooms?"
She nodded, chuckling softly before leaving the room. I went to shower.
After dressing, I walked to the kitchen. The delicious aroma greeted me. Mom and Dad were already at the table, waiting.
I sat next to Dad. Mom on the other side.
"How could you just pass out like that? Are you sure you're not sick?" Dad asked seriously, clearly still worried.
I smiled to reassure him. "I'm fine, Dad. Just tired."
Mom served the omelet onto my plate, then onto Dad's. The warmth of the food and the cheesy smell washed away some of the lingering fear.
"Try it I added a bit of oregano this time," Mom said with a smile.
I took a bite and nodded quickly. "It's really good, Mom. Makes it more flavorful!"
Dad smiled, though his eyes still glanced at me with concern. "Don't push yourself too hard, Rya. Your health matters more."
"I know, Dad. Sorry for scaring you both," I said softly, lowering my head.
Mom reached for my hand gently. "What matters is that you're safe."
We ate in silence for a while, the clinking of cutlery the only sound. But my mind drifted again to the red-eyed man. His whisper. His gaze.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the memory. It's dinner time.
But something still felt... cold behind me.
As if something was watching.
After dinner, I got up to take the dishes, but Mom lightly tapped my hand.
"No need, Rya. You still look pale. Go rest."
I wanted to argue, but her gentle look made me nod.
"Okay, Mom. I'll head to my room."
I walked back, but paused near Dad's office. My eyes drifted to the closed door. Quiet. Still. But… something didn't feel right.
As if something or someone was watching me from behind that door.
My heartbeat quickened. The hallway felt colder. I rushed to my room, almost running.
Once inside, I locked the door tight.
After changing into my pajamas and making sure the door was secure, I climbed into bed.
Eventually, I fell asleep.
This time, my dream placed me in the midst of a burning castle. Flames consumed everything even the village around it. Screams of pain and sorrow echoed, stabbing my ears.
The air stank of blood and thick smoke.
I trembled, legs heavy as if rooted to the ground. I wanted to run, to escape but couldn't move.
Then I saw him.
The red-eyed man stood a few meters away, back turned to me. In his hand, a massive blood-stained sword. His dark clothes fluttered in the burning wind.
Slowly, he turned around.
His glowing eyes locked onto mine. He grinned.
"I did all this for you…" he whispered, his voice echoing through the roaring flames.
"…for the two of us."
I froze, chest tightening. The world collapsed around me.
Fire, blood, that look… It felt real like a horrible memory I had long forgotten.
I woke up breathless, drenched in cold sweat. My chest heaved, heart pounding uncontrollably.
"That man again… Who is he really?" I whispered, trying to calm myself...