It was just a dream

The haze of sleep lifted gradually, and I blinked against the soft morning light filtering through my window. My eyes focused, scanning the room around me my room in the village inn, the simple furniture and the faint smell of herbs hanging in the air.

Everything looked peaceful, safe, the warmth of the sun a balm against the chill that clung to my bones from the nightmares that had plagued my sleep.

The dream still felt so close, so real. I shuddered, the images clinging to my mind: the black flames licking hungrily at the village, Thalindra's cold, mocking smile, and her eyes, unfeeling yet watching every single reaction as though my fear were fuel.

It had felt so genuine, every emotion raw and present in my mind, the burning sensation of helplessness I'd felt as I confronted her, the villagers' terrified expressions, the slap I could almost feel the sting on my hand, the desperation surging as I struck her.