Before nightfall

Adela woke up disoriented, her eyes opening to the first rays of the sun. A pounding headache gripped her head, making it difficult to shake off the vivid dream that lingered in her thoughts. She instinctively rubbed her arms, trying to dispel the uncanny feelings that clung to her.

As she reflected on the dream, she found it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of her disconcertment. The man with long hair in her dream was unquestionably Andreas, but his garments and the cosmetics adorning his face were entirely unfamiliar.

A tremor coursed through her bones as she recalled the discussions surrounding the enigmatic figure known as the Oracle.

She pulled the coverlet of her bed up, hiding her face entirely. Andreas did not look a day younger. "Why don't you ever age?" she muttered.