Chapter 5

I blinked until my eyes were like fluttering wings of a butterfly. I was now inside a room, sitting on the floor facing a window wall. The rain finally stopped and showed the scenery outside. Feeling lethargic, I rubbed my eyes to see clearer. The vague surroundings were like seeing something in a dream. I made my way near the window and leaned closer.

The endless stream of clouds that were flowing downwards greeted my sight. The twilight sky emitted an ethereal air with auroras spread across the vast heavens that danced elegantly as if following a soft melody. It was foreign and at the same time familiar, feeling like I was somehow used to seeing this view.

I returned my attention inside the spacious room and saw that everything was white with a hint of markings of blackness that spreads like vines. Marbled walls, ceiling, and floor. A room without furnishings. The light behind the marbled ceiling brightened up the space. I narrowed my eyes and suspiciously surveyed. The sound of the soles of my shoes tapping the marble floor reverberated across the room. It was an empty space yet it didn't feel lonely. The longer I lingered my focus, the blurrier it gets.

"Oh good, you're back."

I was startled by a warm voice, slowly turning my back I saw a young man who was dressed in a robe as white as snow with patterns of silver clouds embroidered neatly. His snow hair that was neatly half braided flowed down until his waist, the mesmerizing black orbs caught me off guard, and for a brief moment, I thought he was an old friend that I've known for thousands of years.

Wait, is he someone from the royal family?

He chuckled, "This may be confusing at first, but I missed you, Cai."

I stared at the unfamiliar familiar feeling he was giving made me confused. I stepped back, hoping that I would wake up from this dream. The last thing I remember was looking aimlessly at the downpour and then I magically appeared here.

Wretched rain! Causing me to hallucinate and see things!

Finding a way to escape as I yawed my eyes. It was an unusual room, having no entrance nor exits. The window walls that extended until the end of a side of the room showed the majestic scene outside. What is this place?

The action of mine reminded the young man of a lost kitten. He silently observed my panicked face that I painstakingly hide. Having no clue why I earned another heartwarming chuckle.

"Where am I? What do you want?"

In a flash, he was right in front of me. I instinctively step back and lost my footing. The cold floor cushioned my fall as the young man heartily laugh.

"Indeed the same."

I frowned and glared at him. How dare he show familiarity with me? I stood elegantly and smoothened the wrinkles of my dress, "Good Sir, I have no knowledge of you. May I ask why is it that you speak as if you are a close acquaintance of mine?" I curtseyed and tried my best to offer a smile.

"I never thought you are capable of being refined." He placed his hands on his back and turned around.

How mean!

I remained silent as he comfortably sat down. Couches and a table appeared out of nowhere, paralleled to the window walls. The scent of freshly brewed tea gave off a calming effect. He offered the seat in front of him, never losing the Cheshire cat-like smile. I caustiously took a seat, being wary of the refreshments of me. A strange young man may poison me if I'm not careful enough.

The longer I stared at the young man in front of me, his features appear more captivating. A type of being that exudes the aura of an angel. From this, I knew that he isn't connected with the royal family. Glancing the scenery outside, I remembered the myth of the Floating Castle.

It was a story of where the divine messengers live. They are called Theikos, these divine messengers are the ones responsible for bestowing revelation and prophecies to the priests of this world. The Floating Palace is considered to be the second most sacred realm. It is said that the Palace was famous for its ethereal views. There were originally thirteen Theikos, but a rumor that was also once mentioned by the Head Priest that the thirteenth went missing. Disappearing without leaving his footsteps behind.

The never-changing scene somewhat confirmed my assumption, but thinking about it from the rational side, it's impossible that the messengers will bring me to their home.

"You are in front of a handsome man and yet you prefer to look outside." He sighed, catching my attention. The once clear face was now out of focus. I blinked several times, but nothing happened. I looked down and played with my fingers, rummaging my mind to come up with a plan to wake myself up.

"Yes, you are pleasing to the eye Sir." This was the first time I curried favor to someone and if I didn't, I'm afraid I would never see Aris again.

The atmosphere was beginning to feel eerie, a heavy pressure pressed down my anxious heart. I felt goosebumps all over my body, a feeling that I disliked and made me scared. I carefully lifted my sight and saw the young man, smiling without any joy in his eyes. I bit hard on my lips to prevent myself from screaming.

The pleasant face of his was becoming twisted. Adding up the blurry vision, everything appears overwhelming. Stuffiness and being unable to breathe at ease was choking me. Tears were forming at the rim of my eyes. I tried moving, but couldn't. A pressure was far greater than the previous that oppressed me onto my seat. It was like I was in a coffin buried seven feet under the ground.

I opened my mouth to ask for help, but no sound came out. Raising my hand with all the strength that I have and failed.

The young man's eyes changed color from black to piercing blue. His eyes were akin to the deepest ocean, hiding the mysteries of life.

"Alright, I think it's enough."

What seems like an eternity of suffering, vanished when he spoke. The warm voice gave comfort to my heart. I widened my eyes to stop the tears from falling. Seeing his eyes reverted back to being black and was filled with the sense of pampering, making it look like that the sinister pressure never happened.

"I forgot that you weren't the same as before. Forgive my rudeness."

Mustering up the courage I could gather, I spoke in a soft voice, "Why?"

"Hmm? What? Why?"

The young man looked confused, he was taken aback by my sudden question.

"Why am I here? This is a dream, right?"

He sheepishly smiled and said, "Ah... Yes... Yes? You're in a dream."

"But you seem real?"

He nervously reached out to take a sip of tea, "Little girl, it is best that you know less." Pausing for a moment, and whispered, "If the rest found that you're alive, you're dead."

The last part that he spoke was muffled for me to understand, "Can I leave now?"

"Oh, you can't."

I frowned and took a deep breath, "You said this was a dream?"

The young man stiffly nodded, "Yes..."

"This is my dream. Sir, may I ask why I can't get out?"

"Hear me out, Cai!" He frantically waved his hands while looking troubled, "This... About..."

"Sir, I request that you speak clearly."

I pondered on how does he know my name. I was about to ask, but I decided that anything is possible inside a dream.

He sighed and rubbed his nape, "Fine." He muttered, "Why do I have to explain it to her? Tsk."

"I'm sorry? I did not catch what you said."

I suppressed the irritation coming out of my heart. It felt that I couldn't afford to offend him. The longer I talk to him, the shorter my life will be.

After the brewed tea cooled down, the young man spoke with seriousness, "The Matias will either help or destroy you."

I furrowed my brows and asked, "Matias?"

The moment I asked, the sight in front of me became warped. He was getting farther and farther away from me while I remained still. The surroundings were like objects underwater.

My breathing became constricted like I was drowning. The ground began to pour down, dragging me down the endless abyss. I reached out my hand, hoping to grasp for something to pull me back up.