To Those Who Remember

A baby's cries echo in the soft, dimly lit room. I approach the crib, drawn to the cries. But as I lean closer, a gentle hand on my shoulder, stopped me.

"Not yet. Your aunt still needs time alone with the baby."

I turn toward her, confusion etched in my face as she speaks. She gives a reassuring smile but her eyes hold a trace of concern, as if she's struggling with something unspoken.

"Let her have this moment, okay? You'll understand when you're older"

I just nodded. I don't know why; I don't know who – But I just did. After that the room became silent. I step back, my gaze lingering on the crib.

BANG

The silence of the room was shattered. The sudden noise made my heart raced, body instinctively moving toward the door. I push the door open and into the hallway I ran.

What was that just now?

The air is heavy and the distant sound of frantic footsteps echoing down the corridor. As I rush toward the source of the noise, voices can be heard…unfamiliar voices.

"Claire!"

Another voice followed.

"I'm sorry but I don't know how to help her anymore."

Then another.

"You have to drink this!"

Another.

"Oh? Who's he?"

The words echo in my ears, and in my head it lingers. As I kept running, a bright light suddenly burst from a nearby room, blinding me for a moment. As I open my eyes, I was left standing in the hallway. The room, the voices – everything is gone. I blink, my head spinning, and then…

*Gasp*

I open my eyes and saw the same ceiling of my chamber

"It's just a freaking dream" I mumbled.

 With a sigh I sat up and stood to grab the water pitcher on the table.

"What a weird dream tho."

I reach for the cup, but as I try to focus on my dream, a sharp pain suddenly hits my head. I wince, clutching the side of my head as the pain intensifies, making me stumble. Sitting down on the floor, I tried to endure it.

[The voice inside your head releases a healing agent]

A gentle warmth spreads through me, my mind cleared and pain gone. I took a deep breath, feeling relieved.

"Thank you."

[The voice inside your head smiles]

I stand up and walk toward the door. As I look around the temple, there were no priests in sight – just trainees moving about, some heading toward the training areas, others chatting.

I walk over to Lylia, who's cleaning the entrance. "Hey Lylia!"

'Oh, hey Iris. What's up?"

"Where are the priests? I don't see anyone around"

Her expression shifts, her smile faltering. "They're all at the dark forest dealing with something, I think? It's pretty hush-hush though. Not sure what exactly, but it's not something were supposed to worry about."

I remained silent, pondering for a moment.

"Lylia…"

"Yes?"

"Do you happen to know where that forest is?"