Announcement + Short Sneak Peek of "Dreamy Travels"

My throat felt dry and I couldn't breathe; it felt as if something dark was invading my whole body. I willed myself to open my eyes but instead of the oakwood ceiling above, a blank dark sky stared down at myself; the comfortable layers of blanket underneath me was replaced by a huge field of crimson roses that pricked my skin with every move. I tried to look around, but a foul mist obscured my eyes from seeing anything else beyond it.

If I move, I'll be wounded but if I don't I'd be more foolish.

Cautiously, I took one step then another and continued until my blood began to soak my feet.

A voice called from beyond the mist. Riven.

I sighed. Cursing myself for being careless. “You did this. Why?"

A warm hand held mine and I floated mid-air. The beauty of the crimson field filled my eyes, but was immediately ruled out by a large tower in the distance.

“I'm here to oversee that you'll do your job properly," he smiled. It wasn't a genuine smile, but one full of mischief. “You are the Heart of the Great Mother, after all."

I frowned. My understanding taking a bite on his lure. He knows something, one that even the memory cannot give me.

When I was done admiring the view below, I shifted my head towards Riven. The ominous mist dissipated revealing his striking features that shone ethereally among the darkness. “Do not fear, I shall act as your… protector in this land.”

I shivered from the sudden cold sensation that crawled all over my body. My torn skin mended back, leaving only the mark left by my dried blood. It was an unbelievable and horrifying sight that I would've certainly fainted if I wasn't used to seeing the most gruesome fates of those witches I had to kill.

“Before that, I'd prefer that you are completely able and presentable. I prefer neat and…pretty.”

A snarky voice rang from my head, “At last! Someone called this woman out of her miserable self!”

Riven's eyes twinkled. "If it isn't the missing heir… of the missing God. How have you been, old friend?"

Arcana scoffed. "Terrible, as you can see! Thank you very much!”

"Grumpy as always,” Riven chuckled, his eyes staring straight through my eyes as if they were windows. “Don’t be so sulky, you'll be able to communicate as much as you want as long as we are in this realm. How nice for you, isn't it?”

“But for now, better get to work!" Riven snapped a finger and I felt Arcana sucking the dark mist into my eye. It wasn't painful, but the idea of something unknown being absorbed into my body was disturbing enough.

Before a sound left my mouth, Riven cleared his throat and spoke. It was somewhat getting confusing whom he was talking to, but I suspected that his words was for me... It was addressed to me after all.

“Don't bother, Arcana cannot harm you any longer. You are now recognized as the... Heart, correct?"

That question alone made me feel shy. It wasn't because of the responsibilities that came with it, but the title itself did reminded me of one of those "cool" names being used by the children from the streets. I felt myself cringing but I shrugged it off quickly.

"That is right," I plainly answered with a nod. There was so much questions that I wanted to spill, but there was just that invisible pressure... a wall perhaps; or simply, I was just unable to find where to start.

Riven nodded with a smile. His eyes glowed briefly that I was almost fooled into thinking that it was my eyes playing tricks. Fortunately, the aura around him—though ALMOST too calm, solidified what I witnessed. It explained who Riven was, or I should say who SHE truly is.

"Riven, the curse of Astralyth..."

-

Announcement!

Hi! This is Raina. Due to my declining health, I regret to inform my readers that I will have to take another hiatus from bringing an update weekly. I may still upload once in a while, but I cannot guarantee this as I must focus on my recovery. I hope that those who are reading this novel will continue to look forward for the updates. See you all soon!