Dark Clouds

For days, Darius was trapped in an endless void—a place where realities collided and nightmares reigned supreme. Victory and defeat blurred together until he finally broke free from his torment. As he opened his eyes, the world around him felt unfamiliar, yet the sight of Katherine by his side, clutching his hand, grounded him. She was asleep, her face etched with worry.

Darius wondered if his entire life had been a dream, and now, awakening, he had finally stepped into reality.

“Darius! You’re awake!” Katherine exclaimed as she woke, tears brimming in her eyes. She hugged him tightly. “Thank goodness you came back to me. I was so worried!”

Darius looked at her, but his thoughts lingered elsewhere. “Katherine… how? What happened?” he asked, his memories of the gate battle flooding back.

“You’re in my room at the palace,” Katherine replied.

“Palace?”