Chapter Seven

AUZLIX POV:

As I cautiously entered the mysterious cave, my heart pounded with a mix of concern and anxiety. The sunlight from the entrance barely penetrated the darkness within, making the surroundings feel surreal and unsettling.

And then, I saw her shadow—Lia's injured body lying motionless on the cave floor. My breath caught in my throat, and my mind struggled to comprehend the sight before me. It couldn't be true; it must be a terrible illusion, a product of the eerie atmosphere.

Rushing to her side, I could easily hear her breathing. A normal human might have mistaken her for dead, but as a beast, I have a good sense of hearing. Relief washed over me, and I quickly checked her for any injuries. She was badly hurt; of course, being sucked into a vortex would cause significant harm.

As months passed, there was still no sign of Lia waking up, and her injuries seemed to resist healing. My anxiety grew with each passing day, and I felt helpless, unsure of how to help her recover.

I tried everything within my power to aid her healing process. I used all the herbs and remedies I had collected over thousands of years, hoping that one of them might hold the key to her recovery. I tended to her day and night, never leaving her side, and using my knowledge as a dragon to provide the best care I could.

But despite all my efforts, Lia's condition remained unchanged. It was as if some mysterious force was keeping her trapped in a deep slumber, and I couldn't break through it no matter what I tried.

Feeling desperate and worried, I sought counsel from the wise beings in the forest—the ancient spirits that had witnessed the passing of time. They listened to my plea and shared their wisdom, guiding me to try one last remedy—the healing waters of a sacred waterfall deep within the heart of the forest.

With renewed hope, I set out on a long and arduous journey, carrying Lia in my arms. The forest seemed to whisper its support as we made our way through the dense foliage, and I drew strength from the knowledge that I wasn't alone in this endeavor.

Finally, after days of travel, we arrived at the hidden waterfall—a place of immense power and rejuvenation. With great care, I immersed Lia in the crystal-clear waters, whispering ancient incantations passed down through generations.

As I held her, the waters glowed with a faint shimmer, and I could feel the energy of the forest enveloping us. For a moment, it felt as if time itself stood still, as if nature itself was holding its breath, awaiting the outcome.

And then, I saw it—the slightest movement in Lia's fingers. Tears of relief welled up in my eyes as she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.

"Lia, can you hear me?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

As Lia's eyes finally opened, she looked up at me with curiosity and wonder. "Auzlin, how did I wake up? What happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and eagerness for answers.

I smiled gently, sitting by her side, ready to answer her questions. "Lia, the healing waters of a sacred waterfall in the heart of the forest played a crucial role in waking you up. It was a powerful and mystical place, and it seemed to have broken the barrier that kept you in a prolonged slumber," I explained.

"As for why you've been unconscious for so long, it's a bit of a mystery. The vortex that pulled you into the cave might have caused some sort of temporal disruption, slowing down time or causing you to enter a deep healing sleep. The forest's ancient spirits guided me to the sacred waterfall, believing that its rejuvenating properties might hold the key to your recovery," I continued.

Lia listened intently, absorbing the information. "The forest's ancient spirits? You mean there are beings like you in the forest?" she asked, her eyes widening in amazement.

I nodded, grateful that she was taking all of this in stride. "Yes, there are ancient spirits and mystical creatures that inhabit the forest. They have been guardians of these lands for countless generations, and they hold immense wisdom and power," I replied.

Lia's excitement grew, and she couldn't contain her curiosity. "Tell me more about them! and how did you learn about the sacred waterfall? And... have you always been watching over me?" she asked, her questions tumbling out one after another.

I chuckled softly, happy to share my story with her. "I've always been a dragon, with a special bond to this forest. It's my home, and I've watched over its inhabitants for as long as I can remember. As for the sacred waterfall, I learned about it through the wisdom of the ancient spirits. They guided me on my quest to find a way to wake you up," I explained.

Lia's eyes sparkled with wonder as she absorbed all the information. "You're incredible, Auzlin. You saved my life and cared for me all this time," she said, gratitude and admiration evident in her voice.

As I discovered a nearby cave that seemed suitable for temporary shelter, I knew it was the perfect place for Lia and me to stay while she continued to recover. The cave provided a safe and secluded refuge, shielded from the elements and prying eyes.

With careful attention, I made the cave as comfortable as possible for Lia. I gathered soft moss and leaves to create a makeshift bed for her, ensuring she had a place to rest and recuperate. I also gathered edible fruits and fresh water from the nearby stream to sustain us during our stay.

As the days passed, Lia's condition continued to stabilize. She grew stronger, her injuries slowly healing with the help of the rest and care she received

One day, as we were exploring a secluded part of the forest, we felt a strange presence lurking in the shadows. The air seemed to thicken with an unsettling energy, and a sense of foreboding washed over us.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness—a mythical being, unlike anything we had encountered before. It was shrouded in darkness, its form ever-changing, and its eyes glowed with an ominous light.

"Who dares to enter my domain?" the being spoke, its voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance.